Universal Life Church

From Freepedia

The Universal Life Church (or ULC) is a religious organization that offers anyone immediate ordination as a ULC minister for free. The organization states that anyone can become a minister immediately, without having to go through the pre-ordination process required by other religious faiths.

Contents

History

The ULC was founded in 1959 by Reverend Kirby J. Hensley. Disappointed with the Pentecostal church, Hensley divorced his wife in 1955 and decided to venture on his own to find his religion. After five years of studying various religions, according to his own statements, Hensley concluded that the proper religion may differ for each man, and everyone is entitled to choose his or her own religion. No one should be criticized or condemned for wanting to practice the belief of his or her choice.

In 1959, Hensley, with the help of his new wife, Lida, moved to Modesto, California and founded the first Universal Life Church. Hensley served as the minister of the congregation and President of the Board of Directors until his death while Lida filled the role of Secretary. Lida is now the President of the Board of Directors and The Hensley's son Andre is the General Office Manager running the day to day operations. According to Hensley, the Modesto congregation grew rapidly over the years. The Church spread throughout the West Coast, and today claims to have congregations located all over the United States and parts of Canada. The organization also claims to have a membership of 20 million ULC ministers worldwide. Their website declares that anyone who wants can become 100% legally ordained in three minutes.

Actual ordination in the Universal Life Church is free, and what makes the ordination complete is its registry with the home church. Imitators have sprung up that charge a fee for ordination.

Dedicated ULC members state that they truly believe in freedom of religion. In other words, they want every member to be able to pursue their own spiritual beliefs without interference from the government, church agencies, or any other outside agency. Their one creed (or doctrine) is "Do only that which is right." Of course, every person has the responsibility (some might say the natural right) to peacefully determine what is right.

Indeed, a major criticism of the ULC is that it accepts all religions, holds no views of its own, and is not a true church. Various religious groups have spoken out against its practice of immediate ordination without any requirements, suggesting that such an ordination is only worth the paper it is printed on.

In 2002 the Church sued the state of Utah regarding the legality of its Internet-based ordination process. The court ruled in favor of the Church, noting that there is essentially no difference between an Internet-based application and a mail-order or phone-based application.

Of more interest to the United States has been the issue of whether the Church had actually been founded as a way for Hensley to avoid paying taxes. In 1985, the ULC began a series of court battles against the IRS to prove its legitimacy as a church (thus qualifying for tax-exempt status). The courts ruled that the ULC did indeed qualify for tax-exempt status for some years but did not qualify as tax exempt for other years, based on the activities the Headquarters were involved in that specific year. Currently the ULC Headquarters in Modesto and three major sites, ULC Monastery ULC Bookstore and ULC Seminary do not have tax exemption with the IRS. Current exemption status can be checked here.

A large number of people seeking ULC Ordination do so in order to be able to legally officiate at weddings. Most States recognize ULC Ordination as qualifying a person to perform legal unions but some jurisdictions do not. New York City has been particularly resistant to the ULC in this regard. ULC Ministers wishing to perform legal weddings should refer to the ULC homepage for specific information about jurisdictional issues and requirements. Ordination is not the only requirement. A Minister must file the appropriate paperwork with the state he or she resides in.

This aspect of the ULC has provided relief to interfaith couples experiencing difficulty in getting their union performed in a religious atmosphere. Some people living in remote areas also use their status as ordained ULC ministers to meet the marriage officiant needs of their communities.

Famous ULC Ministers

Court cases involving the ULC's legal status

Attorneys General's Opinions involving the ULC's legal status

External links

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