Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Curious how to get ordained in Connecticut? Well, good news: 1) the process is incredibly simple, and 2) we'll walk you through it step-by-step. There was a time when becoming a minister required thousands of hours (and dollars). Not to mention, candidates had to check certain arbitrary boxes to even be considered for the position.
Thanks to the Universal Life Church, those days are over. The ULC has shattered these institutional barriers and pioneered a brand new system that allows anyone who feels called to ministry to become ordained. Even better: this process is free and can be completed entirely online.
Tolerance, equality, and freedom are core values of the people of Connecticut. Getting ordained through the ULC only strengthens these beliefs, as ordination allows anyone from Connecticut to pursue their faith with complete control, free from any outside interference.
In this guide, we'll explore what ordination is, explain how it gets issued online, and show you how to become a minister in Connecticut!
Becoming ordained as a member of the Universal Life Church Ministries couldn't be easier. Just fill out the quick form on our website to create an account, inputting your basic details. When you press submit, allow a few moments for your ordination to be processed. Once that's done, you'll officially be a minister! Please keep an eye out for an email from us confirming your ordination status. You'll also see a link to view your new digital credential and to order any physical documents you might need. To begin, click the button below!
Why do we make ordination so simple? The ease of this process we've designed stems from our belief that every person should be granted the right to chart their own spiritual course in the universe. Each individual has their own unique conception of faith – what it means to them, what aspects are most important, and how best to go about it. As opposed to a traditional institution that sets all manner of rules regarding these questions, the ULC puts that power in the hands of its ministers to decide for themselves. And that empowerment begins with making ordination accessible to all.
2. What You Can Do With Your Ordination in Connecticut
After becoming ordained, you'll have complete freedom to decide how you want to take advantage of this new status. Whether you're called to perform a baptism in New Haven or a scenic coastal wedding near New London, you should be prepared to put your ordination to use.
As a ULC ordained minister, you can:
Perform weddings
Preside over baptisms
Lead funeral and memorial services
Officiate a wide variety of other types of ceremonies
Some members of the ULC in Connecticut even decide to start their own ministries or churches! To read more about these possibilities and learn how to prepare for them, please visit our Minister Training Center.
3. What Ordination Means in Connecticut
Ordination is an ancient concept that has been practiced across many different faiths dating back for thousands of years. This act of consecration differs from one belief system to the next, and every faith (and oftentimes each denomination within a larger faith organization) has its own specific practices for ordaining members of the clergy. In the most basic sense, becoming ordained means that the organization confers upon you leadership status and the power to perform certain clergy duties, including presiding over ceremonies.
Historically, the process of becoming ordained was not an easy one. It typically required candidates for clergyhood to undertake years of study, as well as conform to certain standards set by the faith's leadership figures. And one cannot ignore about the financial resources necessary to pursue this formal schooling, either.
In the eyes of the ULC, this institutional path to ordination is exclusionary and unfair. That's why our process looks entirely different; we've created a new ordination model that allows anyone to pursue this route in life.
Best of all, becoming ordained as a member of the Universal Life Church Ministries brings with it equal powers and privileges enjoyed by other clergy members from more traditional faith backgrounds. As is their right under the Constitution, ministers of the ULC in Connecticut can conduct all the same duties historically performed by institutional members of the clergy from other denominations.
4. What You Need to Be Ordained in Connecticut
Once you have a better idea what types of clergy duties you'd like to take on, your next move will be to ensure you have all the necessary documents and other supplies to pursue these goals! Some of the most popular items for our ministers in Connecticut are:
Regardless of where you've set your sights, know that we're ready to help you get your ministry off to a great start!
5. How to Get Ordained to Perform a Wedding in Connecticut
One common reason to become a minister online is to gain the power to officiate wedding ceremonies. Did you know that each year, ULC ministers perform myriad wedding ceremonies across the state of Connecticut? Some people get ordained to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, while others even go on to officiate weddings professionally in Connecticut!
From coastal, to urban, to rural, Connecticut offers a wide variety of scenery for a wedding ceremony. For example, Stamford is known for having great view of the Gold Coast and is commonly sought after by couples. Just remember that whether it's a wedding, or a vow renewal ceremony, or something else entirely, your ULC ordination has you covered in the state of Connecticut!
If performing a wedding is in your future plans, there are a few important things to keep in mind. For one, because weddings are legal ceremonies, ministers must follow specific rules in order for the union to be recognized. These rules are generally set at the state level, but can also vary from county to county within a state. Once you know where the wedding will take place, you'll need to read up on the requirements in that area and make sure you understand how to check all the necessary legal boxes. For more information, please visit our guide on how to perform a wedding in Connecticut.
Why ULC Ordinations Are Valid in Connecticut
The Universal Life Church Ministries is recognized as a religious organization in good standing in Connecticut. As such, all ordinations issued through the ULC are fully valid in Connecticut and our ministers are granted the authority to carry out all typical duties of the clergy, which include performing legally-binding marriage ceremonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to get ordained online in Connecticut?
Yes! The Constitution specifies that everyone has the right to practice their own religion. By
pioneering the use of technology to communicate and ordain, we may look different from the more
traditional churches you might be used to, but as a ULC minister in Connecticut you
have the same protections as all other ministers.
How long does it take to get ordained in Connecticut?
The amount of time required to get ordained depends on which religious organization is ordaining
you. The Universal Life Church has deliberately made ordination available almost instantaneously
online because we believe that everyone in Connecticut who feels so-called has the
right to captain their own faith journey.
How much does it cost to get ordained in Connecticut?
Ordination with the Universal Life Church is free, and always has been! We believe that everyone
in Connecticut who feels so-called should have access to ordination. Note that in
certain areas you may be required to present proof of your ordination, which we provide for a
small charge to help us cover production expenses.
How old do you have to be to get ordained in Connecticut?
To get ordained online by the Universal Life Church in Connecticut, an individual needs
to be at least 18 years old. Depending on your location, there may be age requirements to perform
functions like the solemnization of weddings - the office issuing the marriage license will be
able to provide you with that information.
