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General discussion

Universal Life Church

by MarciaB May 25, 2006 8:26AM PDT

In another thread, John Robie mentioned the concept of ''mail order preachers.'' I remembered hearing about the Universal Life Church, and have even seen one of their Certifications of Ordination proudly hanging on someone's wall. Here is an excerpt from their ''President:''

http://www.ulc.org/
--------------------------------
The Universal Life Church is the only denomination in the world that opens its doors to all and welcomes all who ask to get ordained and grants it without question. We are a non-denominational church, and we support a full spectrum interfaith ministry. We have ordained over 20 million ministers. We make no religious hurdles, no hoops to jump through, no tests of loyalty, no rings to kiss and no fees to pay. Why? The ULC represents freedom. And to have freedom, you cannot make demands upon individuals; in the ULC everyone is equal -- the same level of greatness is enjoyed by all.
INSTANT ORDINATIONS
After you fill out the free ordination form, you will receive a pop-up instant credential, which serves as your receipt of your ordination. Print it now, as you cannot go back to it later. As a ULC minister, you can officiate at Wedding Ceremonies, baptisms, house blessings, and any other ritual or ceremony. You can even start your own ministry.
-----------------------------------

Of special interest, check out the right hand side of the web page:
Instant Absolution of Sin.
Ministry in a Box.
Monastery Credential Package.

Or how about the ''Degrees'' available. Quite an impressive list:
http://www.ulc.org/catalog/degreesavailable-c-30.html
Doctor of Motivation $40.00
Dr. of Biblical Studies $60.00
Dr. of Divinity, D.D. $35.00
Dr. of Metaphysics $35.00
Ordination Credential $4.95
''YOU will legally be entitled to use the title Dr. in front of your name and D.D. after your name. Please remember, this is equal in the eyes of the law to any other Doctor of Divinity Degree issued by any other institution of higher learning.''

Crazy, if you ask me. It makes a mockery of the whole idea of Religion and the ministry. Sad

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Discussion is locked

11 Posts
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It's been around a long while
by Steven Haninger May 25, 2006 9:38AM PDT

One of my brothers has a certificate of some sort from them he got back in the '70s, I believe. He never considered it to be serious but would offer to do weddings......for a nominal charge. Happy

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You're correct, Steven
by MarciaB May 25, 2006 10:06AM PDT

Since 1959, to be exact.

I just find it disheartening, I guess, to see the ideas of "instant ordination," and "ministry in a box," and "instant pop-up credentials," tossed about so lightly. Guess I'm just old-fashioned.

No harm, no foul, though, I suppose. At least you don't see the ULC group jumping on the bandwagons of what's right and wrong for everyone. They seem to have sort of a continual love-fest thing going on. Happy

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BTW, Marcia, don't EVER try to use a ULC "degree"...
by Paul C May 25, 2006 10:25AM PDT

...as the right to claim exemption from Federal tax . The IRS saw through that dodge a long time ago; in fact, tax evasion was the primary rationale behind the ULC to start with.

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Re: Taxes and the ULC
by MarciaB May 25, 2006 10:54PM PDT

Actually, Paul, it appears that the ULC has found the way to steer their "ministers" toward a successful tax exempt status. #1 Establish an "organization." #2 Prove that your organization qualifies for an exemption under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3). It must be: 'organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes.'

http://www.ulc.org/catalog/faqdesk_info.php?faqPath=11&faqdesk_id=23

The last line on this page states: The decision is one in a long string which the Universal Life Church has won against legal attacks, including a number by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Interesting, although I still don't like it very well in my traditional, old-fashioned opinion. Happy

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A bit of a correction with more info.
by MarciaB May 25, 2006 11:51PM PDT
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Life_Church

The United States government was, for a period of time, concerned that perhaps the Church had been founded as a way for Hensley to avoid paying taxes. In 1985, the ULC began a series of court battles against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to prove its legitimacy as a church. The courts ruled that the ULC did indeed qualify for tax-exempt status for some years, but not for other years, based on its activities year-by-year. Churches are tax-exempt organizations by statute, and are not required to file for 501c3 status.

Moreover, the tax-exempt determination of the IRS is moot as it concerns the activities of ULC ministers, who are in no case tax-exempt themselves. Individual congregations of the ULC are independent legal entities, and are free to establish their own tax status, either relying on the statute definition or by the more formal means of applying for 501c3 status. Currently the ULC Headquarters in Modesto and three major sites, ULC Monastery ULC Online and ULC Seminary do not have 501c3 tax exemption with the IRS. The ULC Seminary has filed, however, and is currently under review. Current exemption status can be checked here.

According to the ULC Monastery,[1] other than a few locations in Canada, most countries outside the United States do not recognize the Universal Life Church. (emphasis mine)

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Looking at the site again
by Steven Haninger May 25, 2006 10:32AM PDT

they obviously don't stand for anything specific. I believe one of the symbols shown might be wiccan. My brother never really would have performed a marriage but would use it jokingly. He'd grab a bible and go down to the rec room where one of my sisters and her boyfriend might be...turn on the light and jump in front of them, open the book...and with a loud voice start...''Dearly beloved....!''...after which the boyfriend would find reason to go home. Devil

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(NT) (NT) Wasn't this originally used to get out of the draft?
by Diana Former Forum moderator May 25, 2006 9:55PM PDT
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The Reverend Dr. Newdow of Pledge Fame....
by C1ay May 25, 2006 11:51AM PDT
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He of the Church of
by drpruner. May 26, 2006 4:46AM PDT

Clean and Shiny Furniture? Happy

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Hey finally I can stick Doc in front of my name, and I'd
by Ziks511 May 26, 2006 9:57AM PDT

almost given up hope since my curtailed PhD. Thanks Marcia, a good laugh.

Rob

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It has a nice ring to it ..............
by MarciaB May 26, 2006 10:03AM PDT

......... Dr. Ziks Wink

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