The Universal Life Church is proud to advance its mission around the globe and help its ministers realize their goals. An important part of this work is recognizing the role that technology plays in shaping the future of faith, and embracing new advances as tools to help create a better world for all. By welcoming – as opposed to resisting – these innovations, the Universal Life Church sets itself apart as the most technologically-advanced organization of its kind.
Our unique and cutting edge online ordination model is an example of this vision in action. With this open, accessible path to ordination via the internet, the ULC strives to break down the strict barriers created by traditional faith institutions and actualize a more inclusive future where anyone who feels called to become ordained is empowered to do so – and is given ready access to the tools necessary for success in their role as a minister.
In the course of this work, the ULC and its ministers have been featured in all manner of media and news publications. Becoming a ULC minister allows everyone – from regular people to Hollywood’s biggest stars to carry out important duties and make a real difference in their communities. Check out the headlines below to learn more about what ULC membership means to people, and to see examples of how our ministers put their ordinations to use in the world.
The New York Times examines the changing ways in which couples are thinking about and planning their wedding ceremonies, including the growing popularity of personalizing the ceremony by asking a ULC Minister to officiate in place of a more traditional religious figure.
The singer Adele got ordained through the Universal Life Church to officiate the wedding of her close friend. The Guardian reported on the intimate ceremony – and detailed the trend of celebrities becoming ordained online.
The New York Times has profiled hundreds of couples who chose a ULC minister to perform their ceremony. This happy couple’s chemistry was first sparked when they met in a science lab. When it came time to tie the knot, they asked the bride's best friend – who was ordained through the Universal Life Church – to officiate.
The Universal Life Church Ministries has vowed to defend the rights of its ministers wherever they are challenged. This article details a lawsuit the Church filed against the state of Tennessee over a law that banned ministers who were ordained online from performing legal marriage ceremonies.
This story from The Baltimore Sun focuses on the rapidly-rising trend of couples asking a close friend or family member to officiate their wedding ceremony. Couples say they enjoy having a familiar face to guide them through the nuptials, as well as the freedom to design a ceremony that reflects their individual beliefs and personalities.