| ROLE OF MINISTERS: Ministers ordained by the Universal Life Church may perform any of the functions normally associated with the clergy, including the conducting of weddings, funerals, etc. Specific roles are determined by the minister and the local congregation. WORSHIP: Group worship is not required, but local congregations are required to hold regular meetings. The Universal Life Church allows its congregations complete freedom of Worship. DIETARY LAWS OR RESTRICTIONS: None. FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: None. No restrictions on cremation or autopsy. MEDICAL TREATMENT: No restrictions. OTHER: The Universal Life Church is not opposed to military service, though it respects the individual opinion of its members. The Universal Life Church is open and accepting of people of all religions. It is opposed only to those religions that attempt to deny religious freedom. Any minister in the ULC can ordain new members. GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: Hensley, Kirby J. A New Life Do You Want It. Modesto, CA: Universal Life Church, 1983. 74pp. The Buffer Zone A History of the Universal Life Church Modesto, CA: Universal Life Church, 1986. Unpaged. The Condensed Bible and Testament of Today. Modesto, CA: Universal Life Church, n.d. A Textbook about the ULC. Modesto, CA: Universal Life Church, n.d. Unpaged. These books are available from ULC International Headquarters. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Lida G. Hensley, Sec. of the Board 601 3rd St. Modesto, CA 95351 (209) 527-8111 |
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| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
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| Universal Life Church |
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| ADDRESS: 601 Third Street Modesto, California 95351 LEADERSHIP: Bishop Kirby J. Hensley, Founder and President MEMBERSHIP: Not reported. HISTORICAL ORIGIN: The Universal Life Church was born out of the vision of its founder, Kirby J. Hensley. Hensley, born in 1911, was a self educated Baptist minister who was deeply influenced by his reading in world religion. He began to conceive of a church that would, on the one hand, offer complete freedom of religion, and could, on the other hand, bring all people of all religions together, instead of separating them. Out of his growing conviction, Hensley founded the Universal Life Church in 1959. BASIC BELIEFS: The Universal Life Church has only one belief. They believe in that which is right and in every person's right to interpret what is right. The Universal Life Church has no creed or authoritative book such as a Bible. Those wishing to learn about the Church can obtain its periodical Universal Life and other materials that it publishes from its international headquarters. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: No specific ethical guidelines except to do "what is right." The Universal Life Church has no specific holidays, though local congregations celebrate a wide variety of them. There are two gatherings (conventions) each year in the spring and in the fall, at which the members and ministers meet for celebration and to conduct business. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The Universal Life Church has a very loose structure. The ULC ordains anyone who wishes by presenting them with a certificate and a set of instructions on how to form a congregation. Each member minister relates directly to The Board of Directors at International Headquarters. Congregations are completely autonomous. The Church operates the Universal Life University located in Modesto. The university offers courses by mail as well as classes for resident students. |
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