The Universal Life Church (ULC) is a non-denominational religious organization founded in 1962 by Kirby J. Hensley. It operates under the doctrine: “Do that which is right”. The ULC promotes religious freedom and offers legal ordination to anyone who wishes to join, free of charge. This has led to the ordination of individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and beliefs, from Christians and Jews to atheists, Wiccans, and pagans.
The church’s popularity has grown, in part, due to the increasing interest in having friends or loved ones officiate weddings. This trend has even attracted celebrities like Stevie Nicks, Adele, and Conan O’Brien to become ordained. However, the legitimacy of ULC ordinations has been a point of contention in some states, with some not recognizing marriages officiated by ULC ministers.
History
The Universal Life Church (ULC) was founded by Kirby J. Hensley, a self-educated Baptist minister inspired by religious freedom and unity. In 1959, he established “Life Church” in Modesto, California, officially incorporating it in 1962, starting services in his garage.
The ULC gained attention by offering mail-order ordinations, especially during the Vietnam War. A rumor suggesting draft exemptions for ordained individuals led to a surge in requests. Kirby Hensley became popular among youth and college students, mass-ordaining them during speaking events. He also offered a Doctor of Divinity degree for a fee, taking advantage of California’s accreditation exemption. By 1974, over a million ministers were ordained, and the ULC received federal recognition for a religious tax exemption.
Challenges arose as the ULC expanded, with new branches following diverse paths. The IRS suspected tax avoidance, revoking Modesto’s tax-exempt status in 1984. A lengthy legal battle ended in 2000, with the Modesto group agreeing to pay $1.5 million in back taxes.
The ULC adapted to the digital age, offering online ordinations in 1999. Journalists and celebrities sought ULC ordination to officiate weddings, issuing over 18 million ordinations worldwide by 2008. Following Kirby Hensley’s death in 1999, organizational disputes led to the ULC Monastery (ULCM) in Seattle, which formally separated in 2006, ordaining ministers independently.
Structure and Organization
The Universal Life Church (ULC) is a unique religious entity that operates with a decentralized structure. Founded in Modesto, California, the ULC’s primary mission is to promote religious freedom and inclusivity. Its organizational framework is distinct in that it allows anyone to become an ordained minister free of charge, irrespective of their religious background or beliefs. This open ordination policy has led to a diverse membership, including Christians, atheists, Wiccans, pagans, Jews, and individuals from various other faiths.
The ULC’s growth and expansion have not been without challenges. As the church gained popularity, multiple branches were chartered, each operating with a significant degree of autonomy. This decentralization led to difficulties in maintaining a cohesive direction for the church as a whole. The original Modesto group, for instance, faced challenges in exerting control over the newer entities. This decentralization also attracted the attention of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which grew suspicious of potential tax avoidance schemes within the church. As a result, ULC Modesto’s tax-exempt status was revoked in 1984, leading to legal battles that lasted for years.
In the digital age, the ULC adapted by offering online ordinations, further democratizing the process. However, this growth also led to organizational splits. After the death of its founder, Kirby Hensley, in 1999, a significant division resulted in the creation of the ULC Monastery (ULCM), now based in Seattle. This new entity, named Universal Life Church Ministries, operates independently of the original ULC and has its own ordination processes.
Functions and Operations
The Universal Life Church (ULC) is a non-denominational religious organization that champions religious freedom. One of its primary functions is to offer legal ordination to anyone who wishes to join, free of charge. This has led to the ordination of individuals from a myriad of backgrounds and beliefs, from Christians and Jews to atheists, Wiccans, and pagans.
A significant operation of the ULC is the facilitation of weddings. The church’s rise in popularity is partly attributed to an increasing interest in having friends or loved ones officiate weddings. This trend has even attracted celebrities like Stevie Nicks, Adele, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ian McKellen, Conan O’Brien, and Steven Tyler to become ordained through the ULC. However, the legal recognition of marriages officiated by ULC ministers varies by jurisdiction. Some states in the U.S. do not recognize marriages solemnized by ULC ministers, while others do.
By 1999, the ULC had embraced the digital age by offering ordinations online. This move was further popularized by journalists and celebrities getting ordained to perform weddings. Between 1962 and 2008, the ULC issued over 18 million ordinations globally. A significant portion of these ordinations were sought by individuals wanting to legally officiate weddings or conduct other spiritual rites.
After the passing of its founder, Kirby Hensley, in 1999, an organizational division led to the establishment of the ULC Monastery (ULCM) based in Seattle, which now operates independently from the original ULC.
Controversy
The Universal Life Church (ULC) has faced its share of controversies over the years, primarily due to its unique approach to ordination and religious practices:
- Legal Recognition of Marriages: One of the primary controversies surrounding the ULC is the legal recognition of marriages officiated by its ministers. While eight U.S. states have explicitly recognized marriages solemnized by ULC ministers, courts in Virginia have ruled against recognizing such marriages. The legitimacy of ULC ordination has been legally challenged in various jurisdictions, leading to mixed results.
- Tax Exemption Issues: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been skeptical of the ULC, especially regarding its tax-exempt status. The IRS’s suspicions arose from potential tax avoidance schemes promoted within church periodicals. Consequently, the IRS revoked ULC Modesto’s tax-exempt status in 1984. This decision led to a prolonged legal battle, which was settled in 2000 when the Modesto group agreed to pay $1.5 million in back taxes.
- Ordination of Pets: The ULC’s policy of open ordination has led to some individuals attempting to ordain their pets, often as a joke. While the ULC has tried to prevent the ordination of animals, the process can be challenging, especially if the names on the applications appear legitimate. The ULC website has issued warnings against such fraudulent ordinations, emphasizing the potential legal repercussions.
- Criticism of Online Ordinations: The ease with which individuals can obtain ordination online through the ULC has drawn criticism. Some view the process as mocking traditional religious ordinations that typically require years of study and commitment. The New York Times, in 2015, commented on the ULC’s rapid ordination process, contrasting it with the lengthy seminary studies often required in traditional religious settings.
- Organizational Splits: After the death of its founder, Kirby Hensley, in 1999, the ULC experienced an organizational division. This split led to the creation of the ULC Monastery (ULCM) based in Seattle, which now operates independently from the original ULC. The division was a result of financial, legal, and philosophical disagreements between the two entities.
Conclusion
The Universal Life Church (ULC) is a non-denominational religious organization founded in 1962 by Kirby J. Hensley. Operating under the doctrine “Do that which is right,” the ULC champions religious freedom and inclusivity. It offers free legal ordination to anyone, resulting in a diverse congregation that includes Christians, atheists, Wiccans, pagans, Jews, and followers of many other faiths. The ULC’s popularity has surged due to a growing interest in having friends or loved ones officiate weddings, leading to many celebrities becoming ordained through the church. However, the ULC has faced controversies, especially concerning the legal recognition of marriages officiated by its ministers and issues with tax-exempt status. Despite challenges, the ULC remains a significant entity advocating for religious freedom and personal interpretation of faith.