# Universal Life Church **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 16, 2009, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343 "2009-04-16T21:53:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![tetranz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@tetranz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tetranz)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2009, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/21 "2009-04-18T01:50:13Z")
> [@acsenray](#): > > This just sounds like another way of saying “someone licensed to perform weddings.” That’s right but a quick online search suggests that it’s mostly a New Zealand and Australian thing where a person who is not a government official and not connected to a church or other organization can become licensed to perform marriages. Judging by the number of web sites advertising their services it looks like a fairly competitive business. Some seem to run a “one stop shop” where they’re into the wedding planning business as well as being able to do the legal stuff. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2009, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/22 "2009-04-18T01:59:48Z")
In Maine and Florida, a Notary Public can act as marriage celebrant being a lay private citizen. Most common requirement is to be clergy (and as mentioned, some locations further include specific requirements to be recognized as bona-fide clergy for marriage purposes) or to be one of a set of designated public officials (Judges and Justices being the most common). ---
**Author:** ![RevDaniel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3be4f8/32.png) [@RevDaniel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RevDaniel)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2009, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/23 "2009-11-02T13:01:33Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > I want to become a minister for the hell of it, because I can. I’m just having trouble figuring out these websites, and wondering what people’s experiences were; I did search, found some info but not a whole lot. It looks like [http://www.ulchq.com/](http://www.ulchq.com/) is the (rarely updated) official site, [http://www.ulc.net/](http://www.ulc.net/) is an affiliated church I think?, and [http://www.themonastery.org/](http://www.themonastery.org/) is a “schismatic” church. Is there any difference in legality between these three? The monastery seems to be the most scammy, as they seem to charge for letters of good standing and such, but I don’t know. I see no one ever answered your question. The ONLY true ordination from the ULC is through the following sites: > **[Welcome to the official website for Universal Life Church,...](http://www.ulchq.com/)** > > The OFFICIAL website for UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH [http://www.ulc.net/](http://www.ulc.net/) and [http://ulcseminary.org/](http://ulcseminary.org/) The first two are the only OFFICIAL sites of the Universal Life Church. The ULC Seminary is a separate ministry that is run by Rev. Amy Long to provide educational opportunities and to help provide support for the ULC. The ULC Seminary is the ONLY site that is AUTHORIZED to offer ordinations from the ULC because they do not provide the ordination themselves. The ULC Seminary takes your request and forwards the ordination request directly to the ULCHQ for authorization and recording. The So-Called Universal Life Church Monastery from Seattle, WA is NOT affiliated with the ULC Headquarters in any way. They have effectively been Excommunicated from the ULC quite a while ago. To read more about this subject, please follow this link: [http://forum.ulc.net/index.php?/topic/114673-confusion-ulc-headquarter-websites/](http://forum.ulc.net/index.php?/topic/114673-confusion-ulc-headquarter-websites/) So, If you still want to know about ordination, Please use one of the three links above. Also, ULC ordination IS recognized in all 50 states even though there are some local authorities that will not allow you to register as an official to perform marriages in their jurisdiction. I believe (but don’t quote me on this) there are also some ULC ordained ministers in other countries now that have been recognized as legal ministers. Stay free and God Bless. Rev. Daniel Wright ULC minister Ordained 03 OCT 2000 ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2009, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/24 "2009-11-02T15:09:44Z")
How the heck does a religion with no dogma have a religious disagreement? It’s like a boxing match between two people with no arms and no heads. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2009, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/25 "2009-11-02T17:12:31Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > How the heck does a religion with no dogma have a religious disagreement? It’s like a boxing match between two people with no arms and no heads. Some groups offering ordination charge a (nominal) fee for the service. The actual church will do it for free. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2009, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/26 "2009-11-02T20:28:24Z")
The ministry and it’s callings is from God, as such who is man to impose any restrictions on it? If the calling is real and you know in your heart that you have been called to the ministry that’s what is required. schooling by man makes no difference at all, and actually is a hindrance, it is God who does the teaching, if He does that through a school or direct from the Holy Spirit makes no difference. When asking for the credentials of a minster I like to hear the Holy Spirit, not what school gave them the paper. In many ways it’s like a patch you can get for hiking certain trails, like the Appalachian Trail Anyone can apply for it and wear the patch, but those who walked it know in their hearts they did it and don’t even need that patch at all. It is the same thing with God’s calling, it is the person that knows in their heart, and it’s the heart that God looks at, if as stated above, marriages may be done, but it is God that really does the marriage, not the man, and God does not look at man’s paperwork as proof. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2009, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/27 "2009-11-03T00:39:46Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > The ministry and it’s callings is from God, as such who is man to impose any restrictions on it? If the calling is real and you know in your heart that you have been called to the ministry that’s what is required. schooling by man makes no difference at all, and actually is a hindrance, it is God who does the teaching, if He does that through a school or direct from the Holy Spirit makes no difference. When asking for the credentials of a minster I like to hear the Holy Spirit, not what school gave them the paper. Well, let’s say that Earl and Elvira get married by someone ordained by the Holy Ghost. A few years later, Elvira ups and decides Earl really WEREN’T the love of her life. She wants out and sues for divorce. It goes to trial. Earl claims they weren’t even married. Would the Holy Spirit agree to testify for Elvira? ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2009, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/28 "2009-11-03T00:44:51Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > The ministry and it’s callings is from God, as such who is man to impose any restrictions on it? If the calling is real and you know in your heart that you have been called to the ministry that’s what is required. schooling by man makes no difference at all, and actually is a hindrance, it is God who does the teaching, if He does that through a school or direct from the Holy Spirit makes no difference. When asking for the credentials of a minster I like to hear the Holy Spirit, not what school gave them the paper. > > In many ways it’s like a patch you can get for hiking certain trails, like the Appalachian Trail Anyone can apply for it and wear the patch, but those who walked it know in their hearts they did it and don’t even need that patch at all. > > It is the same thing with God’s calling, it is the person that knows in their heart, and it’s the heart that God looks at, if as stated above, marriages may be done, but it is God that really does the marriage, not the man, and God does not look at man’s paperwork as proof. Hey! **Kanicbird** , long time no hear from! Does this thread qualify as a Zombie - and just too late for halloween. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2009, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/29 "2009-11-03T03:10:37Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > Well, let’s say that Earl and Elvira get married by someone ordained by the Holy Ghost. A few years later, Elvira ups and decides Earl really WEREN’T the love of her life. She wants out and sues for divorce. It goes to trial. Earl claims they weren’t even married. God does permit divorce > [@](#): > > Would the Holy Spirit agree to testify for Elvira? Yes [QUOTE=Luke 12] 11"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." [/QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2009, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/30 "2009-11-03T17:31:01Z")
> [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](#): > > Does this thread qualify as a Zombie - and just too late for halloween. IIRC, zombie = 12 months of dormancy. ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/31 "2012-08-04T05:56:29Z")
A short post to say that the question in the OP got an “official” answer here: > **[Which is the real Universal Life Church?](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=660837)** > > What’s the difference between ulc.org and ulc.net? Which one is the Universal Life Church that was existent in the 1960s and mentioned by counterculture personalities like Abbie Hoffman in Steal this Book? I’ve been to both websites, and neither of... ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/32 "2012-08-04T13:33:15Z")
> [@Arnold\_Winkelried](#): > > A short post to say that the question in the OP got an “official” answer here: > [Which is the real Universal Life Church? - Great Debates - Straight Dope Message Board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=660837) Actually, more than one “official” answer now, and I’m betting that thread is about to be moderated. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/33 "2012-08-04T18:26:34Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Actually, more than one “official” answer now, and I’m betting that thread is about to be moderated. I moved it to Great Debates. ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/34 "2012-08-04T18:57:45Z")
Years ago my ex and I had our cat ordained. She was Reverend Wee Wee. ---
**Author:** ![UniversalLifeChurch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/universallifechurch/32/7306_2.png) [@UniversalLifeChurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UniversalLifeChurch)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2014, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343/35 "2014-02-08T02:55:12Z")
\*\*The World’s Largest Universal Life Church was founded by St Ignatius of Antioch in 107AD and was very much a Christian Church. The word universal comes from the Greek Word katholikos synonymous with Christian or Catholic. “Universal Life” stands for Jesus Christ. [The ULC of Modesto needs to revert back to its original name “LIFE CHURCH” as originially founded by Kirby Hensley.](http://www.ulcnews.com/2012/11/universal-life-church-we-are-legal.html) [Universal Life Church](http://www.ulcnetwork.com) World Headquarters 1825 NW Corporate Blvd, Suite 110 Boca Raton, FL. 33431 Phone: (561)962-0940 FaxNo: (561)962-0946 Hours: 8:30 - 5:30 EST After Hours: Please Leave a Message Email: [ulc@ulcnetwork.com](mailto:ulc@ulcnetwork.com) Visit Our Website at: http://www.ulcnetwork.com The [Universal Life Church World Headquarters](http://www.ulcnetwork.com) as the name implies is a worldwide Religious Non-Profit Organization that extends its reach to the every corner of the globe. Our Boca Raton Offices and Conference Center is located at the intersection of Glades and I-95, near numerous dining options, luxury hotels and fine shopping. Immersed amongst the elite of businesses in Boca Raton. Our World Headquarters is also a “GREEN” building benefiting the occupants and environment. The Universal Life Church World Headquarters defends the unborn, feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, educates the young, welcomes refugees, and cares for the sick, both at home and abroad. We believe the Bible is the verbally inspired, inerrant Word of God. It is the complete revelation of His will for salvation and the only unfailing rule of faith and practice for the Christian life. We believe the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins and that all who believe in Him are declared righteous because of His sacrificial death and are, therefore, in right relationship with God. The long and illustrious legacy of this institution is noted for its non-discrimination and acceptance of all faith based men or women who seek ordination as a Non-Denominational Minister and/or as an Independent Catholic Priest. The Universal Life Church World Headquarters offers traditional weekly services, traditional laying on the hands ordination within a brick n/mortar Church or by proxy of the Holy Spirit through the convenience of modern technology. The Universal Life Church World Headquarters also offers weekly services, archived and heard through the Universal Life Church Radio Network. If you wish to become a minister, get ordained or serve as a wedding official we offer instant online ordination as well. Please go to: [http://www.ulcnetwork.com](http://www.ulcnetwork.com)\*\* [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-life-church/493343.md?page=1)