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Tennessee Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

What the Hell Is Happening in Tennessee?

March 9th, 2023

Tennessee legislators have passed HB 878, a controversial new bill that would allow ministers and government officials to decline to perform any weddings they deem “objectionable” based on their religious beliefs. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 85 Comments »

Tennessee Adoption Agencies Can Now Discriminate Against Gay Couples

January 29th, 2020

Faith-based adoption agencies in Tennessee have been granted legal permission to turn away same-sex parents who are trying to adopt a child. The winning argument? Doing so would violate their religious freedom. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 46 Comments »

High School Football Team's On-Field Baptisms Draw Criticism

September 17th, 2019

The 'character coach' for a high school football team in Tennessee is in hot water after he baptized two players on the football field. The school district says no laws were violated, but the Freedom From Religion Foundation says it's a blatant violation of the separation of church and state. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 20 Comments »

Tennessee Republicans Split on 'Near-Total' Abortion Ban

August 29th, 2019

A proposed 'near-total' abortion ban in Tennessee has some surprising opponents- Republicans. Seeing similar bills fail to hold up in court in other states, some Republican lawmakers worry the bill would be overturned. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Life and Death | 17 Comments »

The Universal Life Church Sues Tennessee to Protect Online Ordination

June 24th, 2019

America was founded largely on the idea that people should feel free to worship as they see fit, and Tennessee’s attempt to curtail these rights for ULCM ministers simply because they became ordained and congregate via the internet is illegal and unconscionable. To that effect, the ULCM has filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 241 Comments »

TN Bill Would Let Adoption Agencies Discriminate Against Gay Couples

April 8th, 2019

Adoption agencies in Tennessee may soon be allowed to prevent same-sex couples from adopting a child from their system if it conflicts with the organization's religious beliefs. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 334 Comments »

"No Gays Allowed": Tennessee Store Owner Defends Discriminatory Policy in Wake of Supreme Court Ruling

June 12th, 2018

A Tennessee store owner took a stand against gay rights by putting up a "No Gays Allowed" sign. After a photo of the sign was posted online, it quickly became the top trending topic on Twitter, and was seen by millions around the globe. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 139 Comments »

Are Atheists Dangerous People?

March 14th, 2018

An atheist politician running for office in a Bible Belt state was labeled as "radical" and a "dangerous extremist" by her opponents. Learn what she did that was so alarming. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 61 Comments »

Tennessee Might Ban Religious Lessons in Schools

October 23rd, 2015

A Tennessee state lawmaker is introducing a bill to ban the teaching of “religious doctrine” in public schools until at least the 10th grade. Rep. Sheila Butt’s proposal was created in response to parent complaints. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 130 Comments »

Baby “Messiah” Needs His Name Changed, Says Judge

August 20th, 2013

Can a baby take the title of the Christian savior? Apparently, only Jesus Christ deserves the title of “Messiah”, according to a judge in the U.S. state of Tennessee. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | Leave a Comment »

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