We have some important news to share: we have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court against Virginia officials who have been discriminating against Universal Life Church ministers and denying them the right to perform wedding ceremonies – a blatant violation of the First and Fourteenth amendments to the Constitution.
Marriage is indeed a sacred institution, and the state has cruelly decided to limit who may participate in that sacred rite to a select few. The ULC is represented by the law firms Davis Wright Tremaine LLP and Glenn Feldmann Darby & Goodlatte. The legal challenge we filed aims to restore and protect the rights of ULC ministers in Old Dominion.
The lawsuit, which was brought by the ULC and two of its ministers in the State, names specifically R. Steven Landes (Clerk of Circuit Court for Augusta County, VA), Tim A. Martin (Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County, VA), Staci N. Falls (Clerk of Circuit Court for the City of Staunton, VA), and Jeffrey Gaines (Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Staunton, VA) in their official capacities.
It asserts that these officials – like most officials acting in these capacities throughout Virginia – have improperly denied the rights of ULC ministers to legally solemnize religious weddings while granting those same privileges to ministers of other faiths. In some cases, they’ve gone so far as to blatantly recommend specific non-ULC ministers to would-be couples filing for their marriage licenses.
You can view the full complaint filing here.
We will not be a silent witness to the disenfranchisement of any group, and we will not rest until our ministers and members are able to enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens, not just in Virginia but around the world.
One of the most fundamental founding principles of the United States is that individuals should feel free to worship as they see fit. After successful recent legal actions in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, Virginia remains one of the only states in the entire country that effectively bans Universal Life Church ministers from solemnizing marriages.
We are hopeful that a victory in this case will send a clear message to all Virginia officials that discrimination targeting ULC ministers is inappropriate and unconstitutional.
The Universal Life Church welcomes this opportunity to defend itself and its ministers and looks forward to securing your rights.
17 comments
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Jeffrey Mark Felton
So, is it that ULC is not considered a “real” or “valid” church or religious organization? Not “valid” according to whom? And just WHO or WHAT ORGANIZATION is authorized to ordain ministers… please?
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Rev Comrade Rowley
Thanks ULC Monastery! Your anti discrimination court document will help me with my Charles sturt university ULC Transgender disability anti discrimination complaint I have in the NSW supreme court in australia as it happened to me too and I don't have a lawyer to help me write court documents.
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James Riggle-Johnson
So, they believe in the freedom of religion, but now it’s only the “RIGHT PEOPLE” of that religion. Thank you, ULC for standing up for us.
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Najah P Tamargo
Najah Tamargo-USA
Go get 'em ULC!!!! They seem to be very hypocritical when it comes to religion. Like cutting off funding for Lutherans that help refugees. My prayers are with you and your legal team!!!
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Rev. BH
What religious credentials do Justices of t Peace have?
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Timothy C Stone
None
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John W
Fight the good fight to protect and defend religious freedom as it applies to the 1st Amendment freedom of religion clause. No state, commonwealth, territory or other political entity should be allowed to usurp our freedoms as granted in the Constitution because of an individuals personal views, opinions or biases.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
Hmmm… given the following it would seem that marriage isn’t really “religious” in nature. This is an AI summary:
In the United States, marriage is a legal and social institution, not solely a religious one. While many religious traditions incorporate marriage into their practices, the government regulates marriage through laws and licenses. Individuals can choose whether to have a religious ceremony or a civil ceremony, or both, and the government recognizes either as a valid marriage. Here's a more detailed breakdown: Civil Marriage: The state recognizes marriage as a legal contract between two individuals, granting them rights and responsibilities. This is often formalized through a marriage license and a ceremony conducted by an authorized officiant. Religious Marriage: Many religions have their own rituals and beliefs surrounding marriage, often viewing it as a sacrament or sacred union. These ceremonies may be separate from the legal marriage, but can also be incorporated into the same event. Separation of Church and State: The U.S. Constitution's separation of church and state means that government laws and policies related to marriage are not dictated by religious beliefs. This allows for a range of marriage practices, including secular weddings, and ensures that religious beliefs don't infringe upon the rights of individuals to choose their marital status. Flexibility and Choice: Individuals can choose to have a civil marriage only, a religious ceremony only, or both. The legal requirements for marriage are the same regardless of whether a religious ceremony is involved. Legal and Social Benefits: Marriage, regardless of whether it's religious or secular, provides legal and social benefits to the couple, such as property rights, tax advantages, and shared responsibilities. In essence, while religious institutions may have their own views and practices regarding marriage, the legal framework for marriage in the U.S. is based on secular principles and allows for a wide range of choices and practices.
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Timothy C Stone
My wife and I were married by a Justice of the Peace. We never asked for her religious beliefs. 36 years and counting. I'm not big on rituals, but I respect those beliefs. That being said, people still need the legal document to be filed.
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Elvin St. James
Now I Like That!!
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Douglas Robert Spindler
This is very similar to what happened some 90 years ago in Nazi Germany. The Government is slowly taking away the rights of individuals.
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Yanel Jay Laroche Jr.
Ministers of ULC are ordained to marry people in the U.S.A..I will be very sad if I am not able to marry people after I was ordained by Universal Life Church Ministries.
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Rudolph M Garza
Most states in the USA accept the ordination of ULC members. Check with your county clerk and what requirements they have. Some, I understand require the minister to register. ULC can also help with that.
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Rev Comrade Rowley
Thanks ULC Monastery! Your anti discrimination court document will help me with my Charles sturt university ULC Transgender disability anti discrimination complaint I have in the NSW supreme court in australia as it happened to me too and I don't have a lawyer to help me write court documents.
It seems to me that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Just because someone didn’t go to seminary doesn’t mean that they can’t serve their preferred deity. Being able to marry people is an important part of any minister’s mission, and just because the state doesn’t like the way they because they got their ministerial credentials…
None of the 12 Disciples went to a Seminary.
Only Catholics go to a seminary that is associated with a diocese. The last step, is to be ordained by a bishop with Apostolic Succession. The entire process can take 6 to 10 years.
For Protestant churches the process varies. Either church members or an elected group of deacons can vote for anyone they choose, often based on how well they know Scriptures. A Southern Baptist church, I knew, required their pastor have a theological degree.
Ultimately, the church decides how a minister becomes "ordained". To be "legally" ordained most states leave those requirements up to each church. Catholic is the most difficult with exclusive authority that depends on Apostolic Succession.
Should a Catholic priest want to join the military, he will have to complete military training to become a chaplain to meet military standards and be able to minister to all personel regardless of faith.
There are also special schools some associated with different hospitals to become their chaplain and staff member.
The ULC simplified the process being "legally ordained" which for the purpose of the article is a matter of debate with the state being challenged. My best wishes for ULC. Would like to see ULC win.