Michael C. Patterson

To officiate weddings or other ceremonies for friends or family: Many couples want a personal friend or family member to perform their wedding ceremony, and online ordination provides a relatively simple way for someone to become legally authorized to do so in certain jurisdictions.

Personal spiritual practice: I sought online ordination as a way to formally express my spiritual beliefs or connect with a particular faith community, even though I didn't intend to function in a traditional ministerial role.

Belief in accessible ministry: I believe that ministry should be accessible to everyone, regardless of traditional seminary training. Online ordinations can be seen as a way to democratize access to religious authority.

California