The ULC logo [show logo] is the symbol of identification. It tells everyone that "we are one" family and it represents all the people of the world.
All: We present unto you this person present, to be ordained into the Universal Life Church.
Brian: Take heed that this person, whom ye present here now, be apt and meet, for his learning and spiritual conversation, to exercise his Ministry duly, to the honour of Righteousness.
All: We have inquired concerning him, and also examined him, and think him so to be.
Brian: Good people, here is he whom we propose, the Force willing, to receive this day unto the high Office of Ministry; for, after due examination, we find not to the contrary, but that he is lawfully and spiritually called, and that he is one meet for the same. But yet, if there be any of you who knoweth any impediment, or notable Crime, for the which he ought not to be received into this high office, let him or her come forth in the name of Righteousness and show what the crime or impediment is.
Sylvia: The Universal Life Church was incorporated in 1962 by the Reverend Kirby J. Hensley and the World Headquarters is located in the city of Modesto, California. Famous ordained ministers of the Universal Life Church include: Ann Richards, President Johnson, George Burns, Hugh Hefner, Johnny Carson, Debbie Reynolds, Betty Ford, Lawrence Welk, Wolfman Jack, Jerry Lewis, and Jimmy Stewart among many others.
Scott: The purpose of the ULC is well presented in this quote of the Rev. Kirby J. Hensley:
"I have had a vision since my childhood, and have spent my life searching this country for that vision. At one time I believed that I would be a comedian; I also thought of being a lawyer, but, had no education; I always wanted to be a preacher, and that is what I am. I have joined many organizations and have studied many things during my lifetime, but, it wasn't until 1958 that I began to understand the vision. The vision is to release people from religious bondage. I've realized that this is almost an impossibility, but, in 1962 I incorporated the Universal Life Church, a church to break the chains of religious bondage. From that moment forward I have never doubted or questioned my vision of the Universal Life Church.
"We are a Universal Church. What do we mean when we say we are a Universal Church? We have people of all walks of life and from all religions. We now have churches around the world. The sun never sets on the Universal Life Church. This is why we call it a Universal Church."
Barbara: This church opens wide its arms to encompass all who might enter. We are equal. There are no big "I's" and little "you's". We can all enter and are all respected.
The ULC logo [show logo] is the symbol of identification. It tells everyone that "we are one" family and it represents all the people of the world.
Allison: The Universal Life Church recognizes all people, regardless of their beliefs, age, tradition, creed, or nationality. Whether you are Agnostic, Fundamentalist, Pentecostal, or New Age type. Or, if you you don't believe in anything except That Which Is Right. We accept people from all walks of life and from all religions. Conservatives and liberals. You can belong to another church and also belong to the Universal Life Church--as long as you do That Which Is Right and that it doesn't effect the rights of others. This is why we are a Universal Life Church.
Scott: The Universal Life Church champions above all else Liberty of Thought, the eternal panacea, the Mother of all invention and the Father of progress, Male and Female in equal parts, Yin and Yang, Wet and Dry Ribs, with neither one supreme over the other--Peace and Prosperity and Good Will to All.
There can be only one means to achieve the lofty pinnacle of cosmic becoming to which we refer; the prime commandment: To Do Right! The essence and spirit of the Golden Rule: To live honestly, to hurt no one, to give every one their due. The total sum of the science of justice. There is no religion higher than this eternal truth.
Sylvia: Many people ask "What are the ultimate goals of the Universal Life Church?" The ultimate goal of the Universal Life Church right now, is to have a better life now, not in the "Sweet Bye and Bye."
If every Ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church will start thinking and speaking out, we will have a better life now, for everyone on this wonderful Earth!
We must, and will preserve this Earth because it is our Mother. Our Earth will give us a good life if we will work for it and with it. We wish everyone a better life now, and in the near future.
Barbara: We believe that:
Have always therefore printed in your remembrance, how great a treasure is committed to your charge. See that ye never cease your labour, your care and diligence, until ye have done all that lieth in you, according to your bounden duty, to bring all such as are or shall be committed to your charge, unto that ripeness and perfectness of age in spirituality, that there be no place left within you for viciousness in life.
Forasmuch then as your Office is both of so great excellency, and of so great difficulty, ye see with how great care and study ye ought to apply yourself, as well to show yourself dutiful and thankful unto that Power, that hath placed you in so high a dignity; as also to beware that neither you yourself offend, nor be occasion that others offend. And seeing that ye cannot by any other means compass the doing of so weighty a work, consider how studious ye ought to be and how ye ought to forsake and set aside, as much as ye may, all wordly cares and studies.
Do you think in your heart, that you are truly Called, according to the Canons of this Church, to the Order of Ministry?
Curtis: I think it.
Brian: Are you persuaded that the doctrine of the three pinnacles of faith, freedom, food, and sexuality, are necessary to a healthy and whole spiritual life?
Curtis: I am so persuaded.
Brian: Will you be ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away from the Church all erroneous and strange doctrines?
Curtis: I will be so ready.
Brian: Will you maintain and set forwards, as much as lieth in you, quietness, peace, and love, among all people, and especially among them that are or shall be committed to your charge?
Curtis: I will endeavor to do so.
All: We believe only in That Which Is RIGHT. Each individual has the privilege and responsibility to determine what is RIGHT for him or her self--as long as it does not infringe on the RIGHTS of others.
Brian:
All: ...To be competent, to be proficient, to be cooperative, to love our fellow man, to appreciate, to be humble, to be honest, to be moral, to live positively, and to be what we profess.
Brian: Universal Understanding and Brotherhood will bring peace.
All: WE ARE ONE!
[The presiding official will here place the vestments on the candidate. Then he shall say the following:]
The minister is by definition a servant. The minister exists to serve himself, his congregation, the church, and his beliefs. He is an agent administrating the duties and functions of his church.The minister should be compassionate, loving, and trustworthy. The minister must be able to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those rejoicing. He should strive to be an able leader, to promote spiritual growth and happiness within the congregation.
When you are a minister of the Universal Life Church, it is incumbent upon you to perform the Sacerdotal functions of the ministry, i.e., marry, bury, baptize, to ordain others into the ministry, and hold meetings to satisfy the needs of your congregation. The Universal Life Church encourages the ordainment of new ministers. This is the essential part of the church's growth. You have been called to help spread the mission of Universal Life through your deeds.
The one doctrine, "To Do That Which Is Right", will guide you through any, or all decisions in your life. You must decide what is right for you and not condemn others if their "right" is different than yours.
[All present here lay hands on the candidate as the presiding official says the following:]
Take thou authority to execute the Office of Minister in the Universal Life Church, now committed to thee by the Imposition of our hands. And be thou a faithful Dispenser of the Word of the Faith. As symbol and proof of thy ministry, take this certificate [Curtis is handed the ULC certificate] and this ceremonial collar [the collar is placed over his head].
We now prounce you the Right Reverend Curtis Gregory Davis.
There are two things you should always remember. You are a legal Ordained Minister for life. No one can ever take your Minister Credentials away from you. The other thing you should remember is that the Universal Life Church has only one belief or doctrine. We only believe in That Which Is Right! Every person has the right to interpret what is right for themselves, as long as it doesn't interfere with the rights of others. You are the judge of your life, and I'm sure that you will do That Which Is Right!
All: Go forth and spread the Universal Life!
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