ULC - IN THE NEWS

Conan O`brien Turns 52: Interesting Facts about the Comedian

Famous talk show host and comedian Conan O'Brien turns 52 on Saturday, 18 April, and after living more than half a century, there are quite some interesting facts that his fans may not know.

Source: International Business Times

News story or editorial? Reuters reports on that bill to eliminate all marriage (licenses) in Oklahoma

A previous Oklahoma Bill plans to eliminate government issued marriage licenses, but there is much more to the story With debate going on about who is able to wed and perform ceremonies, residents of Oklahoma are facing more roadblocks than just picking out the right venue for their reception.

Source: GetReligion

Oklahoma Bans Atheist Marriages In Hopes Of Preventing Gay Ones

A local Oklahoma atheist gives her opinion on the recent Oklahoma bill that would prevent atheists and gays from being married.

Source: Reuters

Minnesota county will issue permits for atheist weddings

Those who don't believe in a higher power still want to be married like everyone else. A vocal group of atheists in Washington County Minnesota are creating a new type of irreligion. Uniting Godlessness with the trappings of the Church, these folks are opening the doors, not to heaven, but to atheist matrimony.

Source: Reveal

Marriage Bill would not eliminate State`s involvement

With the Supreme Court rulings and subsequent public backlash, both for and against marriage equality, the business of ordination is everywhere in the headlines. This article attempts to explain the different complexities facing Oklahoma residents looking into getting married, particularly by an ordained ULC Minister.

Source: Oklahoma Watch

Melissa Carter: Now ready to preside at your marriages

Now that we will soon be able to legally get married in a church, shouldn't there be someone standing with you who personally understands what it took to get to that altar? Melissa Carter explores the options for having a pastor at your same-sex wedding.

Source: Georgia Voice

Lennie ordained as minister with Universal Life Church

Minister Barbara Lennie, recently ordained with the Universal Life Church, details her plans for her religious future, With goals to work in prisons and help young women in particular, find their way after incarceration.

Source: The Mountain Mail

Tying the knot in Loveland Ski Area on Valentine`s Day

Increasingly, wedding are being held in more and more extreme environments. In this article, Harry Heilmann, registered minister with the Universal Life Church, joined skiers and snowboarders in snowy matrimony. Holding a ceremony at 12,050 feet, Heilmann performed the ceremony to make it a truly epic Valentine's Day wedding.

Source: The Summit Daily News

Deep in Dixie, Synagogue Stands Up for Gay Marriage - and Couples Flock To Say "I Do"

The Supreme Court might be for same-sex unions, but that doesn't mean the weather is. An artic cold wave made it impossible to hold weddings outside, as did courts in Alabama who refused to issue marriage licenses to anyone, but this didn't stop couples from having a good time. Many flocked to a near by synagogue to have their big day.

Source: Forward

Madison County one of seven to issue marriage licenses to gay couples on Monday

In Alabama, seven different counties are prepping to issue marriage licenses to eagerly awaiting same-sex couples on Monday. After the Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex unions, couples statewide are on their ways to being legal recognized as married unions.

Source: Madison County Record

Local officials deny marriage licenses, dispute federal ruling

Down in Mississippi, probate judges refuse to issue marriage licenses-- but that isn't stopping coupes. Several same-sex couples are submitting applications for licenses and going forward with their ceremonies.

Source: The Flor-Ala

Unitarian, pagan and other ministers officiate gay weddings; one Methodist pastor dances

After long waits, several couples in New Orleans head off to their magnolia trees, or where ever else they have always dreamed of being married, and have the happiest days or their lives. With ordinations coming from the Universal Life Church, several couples were able to have their dreams come true.

Source: AL.com

Non-Denominational Christianity Origins: 6 Events That Led to Followers Standing Apart

Non-denominational faith systems are on the rise. In the 90's, less than 200k people in the US identified as such. Now? More than 8 million people claim to have nondenominational beliefs. Churches like ULC are leading the course into a new religious arena.

Source: Newsmax

Ordained ministers wait for chance to marry same-sex couples in Mobile, to no avail

Following the Supreme Court ruling of same-sex marriages being legal, courts in Alabama kept the their doors locked, In efforts to keep same-sex marriages at bay, courts in Mobile refused to issue marriage licenses not only to same-sex couples, but to everyone.

Source: AL.com

Equality groups gather list of officiants to perform same-sex marriages on Monday

Since same-sex marriage became legal, states all over the country are making groundbreaking strides in bringing marriage to all. In Alabama, one pride group are trying vigorously to gather as may clergy men as possible for a large round of gay marriages.

Source: WBRC

Couples in Alabama no longer need Judge and Church to Marry

Even with marriage equality still strongly opposed in Alabama, wedding officiants have it pretty easy. Any pastor or any religious society can oversee a wedding-- your friend could even perform yours. This article is an oped on navigating through the laws of Alabama so you can have your big day in peace.

Source: AL.com

Online Ordinations no longer for just Weddings

Online ordinations are widely known to be helpful when someone is getting married (particularly a friend or family member, or when a couple has differing religious beliefs), but more and more people are using their Universal Life Church ordinations for much more than just weddings.

Source: The Charlotte Observer

Can I chose My Best Friend over my Sister for Maid of Honor?

Choosing a maid of honor might seem like an easy task, but can also cause a bit of drama. If you have a sister who isn't on the best of terms with you, this article sheds some light on how to avoid drama while choosing your maid of honor.

Source: ELLE

Watertown couple makes history with first ever wedding at CNY Pride Festival

The CNY Festival hosted it's first wedding at the Inner Harbor. Michelle LaVancha and Sara Verne were the first wedding of the CNY Festival, and hundreds of people turned out to support.

Source: Syracuse NY

6 Ways to Trim Your Wedding Budget

Today's weddings are costing a lot more than they did a few years ago, A survey of 13,000 brides showed the average wedding costs about $28,000+! This article will help you if you're trying to trim the costs of your big day. Everything from the dress, to the reception, to the wedding officiant is up for debate when you're trying to save a few bucks in your wallet.

Source: U.S. News