In an explosive new book titled "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," author Michael Wolff reports that Jared Kushner, one of the president's senior advisors and husband of Ivanka Trump, is a ULC minister. Anyone who feels so-called can become an ordained minister by filling out the ordination form located here on our website, provided they abide by our central tenets.
Upon receiving his ordination, Kushner apparently offered to marry MSNBC co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. "I can marry you! I'm an internet Unitarian minister," he is quoted as saying.
(We know what you're thinking: Unitarian? Since Unitarian churches don't provide online ordination, there is wide consensus that Kushner simply got the name wrong, and in fact meant the Universal Life Church.)
ULC in the White House?
What would it mean to have a ULC minister in the White House? Could Kushner's affiliation have any effect on White House policy decisions? Certainly the religious affiliations of any influential member of the government are carefully scrutinized and are widely seen to influence decision making.
Kushner's ordination is especially interesting given that he has thrown himself headfirst into perhaps the most complex faith-issues facing our world.
Most recent was the move to formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, widely seen to have been influenced by Kushner an announcement that angered many Islamic countries in the region and even sparked widespread criticism here in the United States.
The Jerusalem Question
Jerusalem has historically been a flashpoint for religious conflict. Considered a holy site by three major religions Christianity, Judaism, and Islam the city has tremendous religious, symbolic, and physical significance.
Jews see Jerusalem as their "original capital", a major city in the first Kingdom of Israel. Not only that, but it's home to the holiest site in Judaism, the Western Wall. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven from Jerusalem, and the Dome of the Rock is located there.
Meanwhile, Christian tradition teaches that Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem. Interestingly, many evangelical Christians (sometimes referred to as Christian Zionists) believe that Jewish control of the Holy Land is a prerequisite for the Second Coming of Christ.
The city is currently split into separate sectors, each home to a different religious group and containing important holy sites belonging to their respective faiths. Given this complex relationship, any threat to the status quo in Jerusalem has the potential to provoke a resurgence in its unresolved conflicts.
Kushner, who follows the Jewish faith, reportedly encouraged the president to support Israel's claim to Jerusalem as the nation's capital. Some sources claim Kushner's involvement tipped the scales and was the determining factor in the president's decision.
Could his status as an ordained minister have had any effect on the process? Perhaps he spent time pondering the ULC tenet of "doing only that which is right" before lobbying the president to support the Israelis.
But Kushner's sphere of influence extends far beyond Jerusalem's walls. He's also been charged with advancing a broader peace deal in the Middle East a supremely difficult task by any measure. We wonder if his efforts might be aided by pondering the ULC's guiding belief that we are all children of the same universe.
What is the Universal Life Church?
Arguably, this is not the first time that the ULC may have had a hand in influencing major policy. The Church has a long history of empowering change-makers, movers, and shakers." The Universal Life Church was founded in 1959 by Kirby J. Hensley. After studying a variety of religious texts, Hensley decided that conventional religious traditions are too constricting, leaving little room for individuality. He concluded that "the proper religion may differ for each person, and everyone is entitled to choose one's own religion. No one should be criticized or condemned for wanting to practice the beliefs of one's choice." Hensley decided to start a church that would allow people to believe whatever they wanted.
The church saw a surge in membership during the Vietnam War a time of immense social and cultural upheaval when many people turned away from traditional religions and explored other forms of spirituality.
To this day, the ULC continues to stand for spiritual individuality and personal exploration. By knocking down the barriers to traditional ordination, it provides an avenue for people to explore their beliefs, perform religious ceremonies, and even start their own ministries.
The Universal Life Church has two main tenets:
Do only that which is right.
Every individual is free to practice their religion however they please, so long as their actions do not impinge upon the rights of others or violate any laws.
Trump, Wedding Officiant?
We end with this interesting anecdote: Michael Wolff's book inadvertently sheds light on a potential new hobby for President Trump officiating weddings. After Jared Kushner offered to officiate the MSNBC hosts' ceremony, Trump reportedly shot back, "What are you talking about? Why would they want you to marry them when I could marry them? When they could be married by the president! At Mar-a-Lago!"
It's yet to be seen if Trump will follow in his son-in-law's footsteps by getting ordained.
101 comments
-
Randy Ford
" Unitarian" is an inclusive term for those who believe there is One God, frequently with the man Christ Jesus being his begotten son, raised by Him, and made the Lord. It is often used in contrast to "Trinitarian": those who believe in a three-part God.
I suspect you erroneously have confused the term with the name of one group: the Unitarian Universalists.
-
Dan
Randy, this source indicates the above report is accurate: http://religionnews.com/2018/01/04/jared-kushner-isnt-an-internet-unitarian-but-he-is-ordained/
-
Randy Ford
Mainstream Judaism and Islam, are "unitarian." They believe in One God. Again, while the term is used in the name of the Unitarian Universalist group, it does not indicate any affiliation with that group. It stands in contrast to "polytheism" and "trinitarianism."
-
-
-
James
Christianity was around bend Islam, and the Jewish belief beside that. The land was split between brothers. Since then its always been a sour grapes issue. I say the middle east should return to a kingdom. One person to rule and control the Muslim nations. One person to hold accountable.
-
Janice A Ellery
I am not sure if I wish to remain in an organization associated with Trump.
-
azrm
I know just what you mean. Certainly diminishes my status. Sorry if this offends anyone, but I totally believe in the separation of church and state!!
-
Susan Marie
Totally agree!
-
John Owens
All three of you are talking stupidly. This does not mean the church and state are uniting, and it doesn't have anything to do with Trump.
-
Charles Garnette Jr.
Agreed!!
-
-
-
-
mike
It is so sad that people judge one thing by one other thing. God blessed us with the ULC to be a blessing to others. Are you really going to give that away because you don't like a certain person. SAD!
-
Lissy
Haha,what a shame!
-
The Doctor
Honestly some days I feel that way just because of the Christian radicals on the forums here. Its sickening that so many who chose to be ordained via the ULC seem to have no appreciation for its non denominational foundation.
However I see it as their choice to be intolerant closed minded fools and accept that their actions are in no way connected to my own.
Be the minister you want to be, and leave the rest to their own nature. Its all we can do in our efforts to help people find their footing on the path to becoming part of the universe.
-
Val jester
There is a significant difference between an open mind and a drafty mind.
-
Jeri
I completely agree with you! That's why I've decided to delete my account on this site.
-
John Owens
Please point out the Christian radicals on here and show what qualifies them as radicals.
-
-
Elizabeth Bailey
I understand where you are coming from, Janice. I, too, thought, "If Trump gets his fingers into this, we all are going to look pretty sad." I believe this would be a good time to practice separation of church and state. I also believe that, as with any religion, there are the devout and there are odd ducks. I believe that Spirit can help us to keep ULC a clean, holy place regardless of a few unfortunate individual mockers. I pray this is so.
-
Ron
I am not normally one of those love it or leave it people, but you may as well renounce your citizen ship and leave the country since the Unied States is an organization associated with Trump and you yourself have said you are not sure If you want to remain in such an organization.
-
William Kramer
I also am not sure if I wish to remain in an organization associated with Trump. What an embarrassment. Yet I will endure because I like to think that I am a blessing where needed and where the thought process is that the only ones that "know anything" have a license to prove it. I know we are not supposed to judge. However, I am so grateful that God gave us the blessing of wisdom and that this wisdom came unto our political realm to limit the Presidency so that we only have to deal with the incompetency for 4 years.
-
John Owens
Spoken like a true jackass. No one could be more incompetent or devious than the previous administration.
-
-
Carl Elfstrom
Don't let the door hit you in your ass on your way out. My religious beliefs don't have anything to do with people, or my personal feelings regarding anyone. I could be wrong but it doesn't seem like personal likes and dislikes of individuals are endorsed by the ULC. Perhaps you can find another organization that is also against Trump. Have you thought about becoming a democrat?
-
Mike
AGREE ! !
-
Val jester
Baaaaazinga!
-
Val jester
This really is not a church filled with people who are a blessing to others. We are populated with whining liberals who hate trump.
-
Richard Bramer
Hateful Conservatives have no place in ANY church. Much less government. Learn to deal with civil society and truly accept individual freedom, as this church holds, and you can no longer be Conservative.
-
John Owens
You are insane. Liberals do not believe in freedom. They believe in indentured servitude to the State.
-
-
Reverend Steve
You don't have to be a whining liberal to hate Trumpski.
-
-
John Owens
Good one, Carl.
-
-
John Owens
Then you might want to consider emigrating to another country, Janice, because he is a U.S. Citizen. It is so funny that people's irrational hatred for Trump makes them suddenly find principles like the old Highlanders of Scotland.
-
Susan Marie
I agree Janice Ellery
-
-
Amanda
He did it for the press kit.
-
rabbi jim
Greetings fellow members! I am a firm believer in the concept of ULC. Also, I am pleased to see that Mr. Kushner is a member of the Jewish faith. I hope that he will support all moralistic issues in the white house, not only for the Jewish people, but for all americans. Also, I hope he will influence the government to provide more assistance to poor and very low income senior citizens of our country in the way of housing and social security benefits reform. Poor and very low income seniors are in great need of help today in this expensive economy. Let's take care of our parents and grandparents - we owe it to them! Shalom, and a wonderful and happy greeting to all for this new year ahead!
-
Lissy
I AGREE
-
William Kramer
Amen and Shalom to you as well my friend!!
-
-
Linda Happenny
Is this for real? Now he will be telling Trump Sacred thought and telling ULC what can be said about trump good or bad. Not happy! Just saying
-
Lissy
Oh boy!
-
Ron
Are you serious?
-
Carl Elfstrom
It's best not to project into the future, but live in the present moment, for that's all we ever have. Minister Jared Kushner, welcome to ULC. I bet your comments on the ULC ministers blog will be much better than your father in laws' tweets, and I look forward to reading them in eager anticipation. Shalom, and Blessed Be!
-
John Owens
That seems a really goofy stretch. Apparently he isn't really telling anyone else what to say about him, because if he was, there would be a lot of people out of a job.
-
-
Valerie Ward
If this is true then Mr K respects nor follows neither of ULC's tenets. 45's s-i-l is a perfect fit in that family. I pray the Light breaks through all that darkness! Blessed Be. Rev Dr Valerie.
-
A1 Tom
No matter what your religion or political affiliation, God will bless you if you follow his laws , which are simply the Ten Commandments...." most important of these is love" . Let us pray for unification in the world. Amen
-
The Doctor
actually the ten commandments are jewish laws alone, they are not in any way relevant to christians unless you are confused and think the old testament is anything but a what came before story in the christian texts.
The Christian analogue would be the seven sins. So dont be wrathful, dont be gluttonous, dont be greedy etc.
-
John Owens
You are totally mistaken on this comment.
-
-
Lissy
Amen
-
Carl Elfstrom
It sounds like you know something about Judaism and Christianity. Did you know there are many other religions in this world that don't have any knowledge of the ten commandants, and get along fine without them. You might try reading the ULC Guide To Divinity.
-
-
Rev.Jeff, 1st Chuch of the Gooey Death and Discount House of Worship for the Salvation of your Soul..
The Western Wall is not the "holiest site in Judaism" and has never been. The holiest site in Judaism is the Temple Mount where the Temple stood.For centuries Muslims essentially ignored Jerusalem until Israel recaptured it. Muhammed's alleged ascent to heaven was not from Jerusalem. The Quran makes it clear that it was in a dream.
-
Carl Elfstrom
The Revelation was also a dream, and so were Dorothy's adventures in Oz. I've had many strange dreams and even some nightmares which were totally fictitious and would only be believed in by prophets, and other schizophrenics. Don't forget to take your medicine. It will clear up those delusions.
-
-
Amy Varela
I do not feel one questionable person's affiliation with an organization is reason to leave. However, I do feel it is the responsibility of that organization to step in and remove an ordination when one of the members - in this case, Jared Kushner - has been indicted for crimes against his own country. Just my 2 cents. Also, separation of Church and State. It doesn't matter is Jared Kushner is an ordained ULC minister in the White House, just like it should not matter that Mike Pence is a "Christian" in the White House. Their religious beliefs should not come before the good of ALL Americans. May Peace prevail. /l\
-
mike
Check your facts, he has not been indicted for anything. Hasn't even been charged with anything. WOW!
-
Lissy
Yep!
-
Amy Varela
Sorry, my mistake. Doesn't change the fact that he lied about meeting with Russian officials. He just hasn't been indicted... yet.
-
Val jester
Amy take a couple of deep breaths. Jared did not lie about meeting with the Russians. You might also be surprised to know that it is NOT illegal to meet with the Russians for ANY political purpose. Collusion is not illegal. Conspiracy is. Facts will never conform to your emotions.
-
-
-
Ron
Amy. Please tell us exactly what crimes he has been indicted for. No one else but you seems to know about it.
-
Carl Elfstrom
There are a lot of good criminals who are also very religious and spiritual. My favorite movie was called Catch Me If You Can. And I can almost swear that anyone who claims to have never lied is a liar. Some of us are more proficient at it than others. I've ministered enough for the night, so I'm going to sit back, smoke a joint, and try to have a spiritual experience. I suggest y'all do the same. Don't worry, it will soon be legal, and no longer a criminal act.And by the way, did y'all know there are convicts in prison who are ULC ministers, and became ministers while in prison. I knew one who was on death row, and performed the wedding ceremony of two friends of mine during his first escape. However, he has since been caught and executed, but died with strong faith in God.
-
Carl Elfstrom
You don't have to be a goodie two shoes or a sissy to be a minister. And a damn good one at that!
-
Val jester
Carl, you raise a great ministerial question. Is it ever acceptable to deliberately mislead?
-
-
-
-
-
Joanne
Jared is orthodox Jewish and his wife, Ivanka, converted to orthodox Jewish before they were married. They are raising their children orthodox also. I don’t believe a word of this story.
-
Rick Pascal
Joanne...Jared is "orthodox" in name only. He is not a faithful Sabbath observer, and neither is his wife.
-
The Doctor
Same can be said of most wealthy jewish families. Like most all people of extreme wealth they really dont spare a thought to the rest of the world.
How many do as Stephen King and say the government should tax the wealthy in the extreme to prevent excess wealth build up. He has gone on record asking for more taxes on people like him as he feels he simply has too much money and even admits how charities are just scams to let the wealthy avoid paying their taxes.
-
Ron
Maybe he should back up his words with action and give it all away.
-
Rev.Jeff, 1st Chuch of the Gooey Death and Discount House of Worship for the Salvation of your Soul..
How exactly do you know what "most Jewish wealthy families" do or don't do with their money or thoughts?
-
-
Carl Elfstrom
Sounds like Stephen King is a self-defeatist.
-
Val jester
Nothing keeps them from sending extra money to the treasury. Talk is cheap. Another minor concept, very few poor people ever employ other people.
-
-
Rev.Jeff, 1st Chuch of the Gooey Death and Discount House of Worship for the Salvation of your Soul..
And how exactly do you know one way or the other about his, or anyone else's level of actual observance?
-
Carl Elfstrom
Maybe he practices remote viewing or astral projection, or just forgot to take his medicine today.
-
-
Rev.Jeff, 1st Chuch of the Gooey Death and Discount House of Worship for the Salvation of your Soul..
how exactly do you know this?
-
-
Carl Elfstrom
I thought all orthodox Jewish men had long beards and carried diamonds in their hats. How did Jared get out of that? He sure is cunning. All power to you, Jared! If he. runs for President, he's got my vote.
-
-
john shephard
Thank you, God, for your son and our brother Donald Trump, who is making America great again through not only undoing the failed policies of another son and brother, whom I always refer to good-naturedly as oblabla (bless his heart for trying), but is also reviving the the spirit and fortunes of our country through innovative new policies, which will in turn revive the spirit and fortunes of all brothers and sisters throughout the world.
-
mike
AMEN! !!!!
-
Lissy
Amen
-
John Maher
AMEN for YOUR IGNORANCE VILLAGE IDIOTS, DUMP DOTAR ORANGUtRUMP, HIS FAMILY, the RNC/GOP, CONGRESS and ANYMORE IGNORANT FOLLOWERS of SHYTE like DOTAR ORANGUtRUMP
-
John Owens
So, you are saying that all who voted for Trump are ignorant? Does that mean that no one who voted for Hillary is ignorant? How can either of those assumptions be true?
-
Reverend Steve
Well, there are some facts available to demonstrate that the most ignorant voters in America did indeed vote for Trump in impressive majorities. These facts are illuminated by numerous polls and studies which are available with two clicks of a mouse. "The ten dumbest states in the U.S." enumerates states whose populations have the lowest statistical educational achievements, lowest test scores, SAT's, high school graduate rates, etc.
Each one of these ten states voted for Trump, and the dumber the state, the greater the margin of Trump's victory. The #1 dumbest state voted for Trump with a 67% plurality. In the obverse, there is a list or two of the ten smartest states in the U.S.; And it should come as no surprise to anyone that Trump did not carry any of them.
Now of course these facts in no way imply that everyone who voted for Trump was ignorant, or that ignorant people did not also vote for Clinton. What it does convey is that like Adolf Hitler and other populist dictators, Trump speaks fluent Stupid. And stupid people feel that they finally have their man in office. And they are correct.
To say that all Trump's voters, fans, admirers, cultists, groupies, lackeys, flunkies, toadies and sycophants are ignorant is patently erroneous. At least an equal number of the president's supporters are merely anti-government homophobes, xenophobes, misogynists, racists, fanatical white supremacists and assorted paranoid sociopaths - just like their Beloved Leader.
PRAY AT HOME - THE LORD WILL STILL HEAR YOU.
-
-
-
-
-
Amy Varela
I find it impossible to believe that God would support a Nazi supporter and sympathizer. Donald Trump will not make America great at all. He is the antithesis of everything that Christ taught. I am at a loss as to how so many who profess to believe in goodness can support a man like him. Separation of church and state, no matter what church it is.
-
Val jester
Please tell me what your understanding is of the separation of church and state?
-
John Owens
Please provide ANY kind of evidence that Trump is a Nazi supporter and sympathizer. How can you call another person the "antithesis" of everything that Christ taught, without being a hypocrite yourself? You are just spouting democrat rhetoric that has no foundation in fact or evidence.
-
-
Val jester
Amen to you John Shepherd. Prayers for John Maher whose rubber bands are wound way too tight and are starting to snap making him say things that are not too smart. Bless you heart John Maher.
-
-
chomei
Is this a violation of the separation of church and state?
-
Val jester
What exactly is a violation of church and state?
-
Richard Bramer
Really Val?
-
John Owens
YES, REALLY!! You guys act like there is some, I don't know, an AMENDMENT which says the words "church and state". There isn't, but you don't mind violating the "keep and bear arms", but that is another hypocritical part of the left's philosophy. There is no amendment which says "church and state". Read the Constitution and Bill of Rights. PLEASE...
-
-
-
Ron
I am pleased to see the reach of ULC. If every one who sought forgiveness and mercy from God wanted all to be exactly like that person, then no church would have more than one member. I remember talking to my mom's cousin who was an army Chaplin. He served through WWII with McArthur, in Korea, where he won a Silver Star, a purple heart and a combat infantryman badge. He also served in Viet Nam. He told me all men bled red and all men who cried out to God got his attention and comfort . I ask him if that included enemy soldiers. Yes, he replied. All men are created by God and all need to know God loves them no matter where or when. Death only offers two paths and even when dying it iscnot too late for salvation.
-
Tom B
Ron...every person is his or her own one-person church..religions (and governments) try to make laws for all, and it does not work, because each person is on his or her own path to peace in God...peace...Tom
-
-
Reverend Ian
In the best possible language. The rest of the world thinks, He's nucking futs.
-
John Owens
Ian, so glad you can speak for the rest of the world. That is a great responsibility.
-
-
Amber
Being ordained doesn't mean a person is above and beyond bad choices. It doesn't suddenly mean that a person cannot do any wrong. They are still human and equal to everyone else. It simply gives a person legal rights to perform a marriage. It makes no difference to me that he's been ordained. What makes a difference is how he behaves. What choices he makes on behalf of the people he supposedly stands for and if he's actually listening to the majority or is another 1%er out to screw as many people as he can before he gets hauled away to jail.
-
Carl Elfstrom
It's not about pleasing you or other ministers, but about pleasing the ULC. They aren't asking us to vote on the matter.I think many of you are jealous of Jared.I would'nt even be surprised if he was a better minister than you. What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? That's the American way.Regardless of that your opinion doesn't matter. Nothing you say or do is going to change anything.So cry and stomp your feet, little baby.
-
Professor
Ok Universal Life Church, you actually believe that the Universal Life Church influences major policy in the White House? You don't believe that Jared Kushner became ordained because it has become a trendy thing to do? You do not become President of the United States without the support of AIPAC. Kushner believes the whole Jewish lie, hook, line and sinker. That is what makes him special. He is one of the chosen. Trumps partnership with Israel should be no surprise to anyone. Israel has their mole in the White House, his name is Jared Kushner.
-
John Owens
You must be privy to some earth-shaking intel, there, Professor. Please, do share it with us.
-
Reverend Steve
Professor. Your Home Leaves from the mental institution have got to stop. They are not helping.
-
-
Father Fred
Don't know if it's true, and I don't know if I care. If I have to judge him, then I have to judge all of you. Being associated with the White House, or government, does not bring either approval or shame to the table. Although at times I wish demons would take all our reps down below and clean out Washington DC. :)
-
Father Fred
The interesting thing about this thread is for all the comments judging the person, those stating their opinion may be the most insulted by being judged.
-
John Owens
You got that right, Fred. You'd think they are all righteous or something.
-
Father Fred
You can always count on politics to bring out the devil in most people.
-
-
-
Rev.Jeff, 1st Chuch of the Gooey Death and Discount House of Worship for the Salvation of your Soul..
The holiest site in Judaism is not the Western Wall. That's the 2d holiest site. The holiest site is the Temple Mount itself, so holy that some Jews will not go there for fear of stepping in the site of the original Temple's Holy of Holies. The Muslims were never very interested in the Dome of the Rock (Haram el Sheif) until Jews reconquered Jerusalem. Their excuse is that Muhammed ascended to heaven on a horse in a dream. There is no textual support for the Temple mount as the location of this dream. .
-
John D. Partin
Don't you think Jared Kushner is cute?
-
Father Fred
The concern for Jared Kushner being ordained ranks right up there with outrage over "Baby, it's Cold Outside."
I'm more concerned for others in the church who have their priorities screwed up.
-
John Owens
Dressed up like Daisy Duke, I imagine. Thrill, thrill.
-
James Cruz
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Aren't we to transcend the mundane, egoistic parts of our selves? All of these comments, including mine are simply mundane arguments...Hence the "Separation of Church and State"! If we continue in these ways, we just remain prisoners of the flesh. Transcend all of this. I understand the importance of Politics, etc. This is just my two cents. Thanks.
Love is the law, love under will.
Tau. Jadahelel 56
-
Rudolph M Garza
Looks like ULC practices what they believe regarding the two tenets. It is also nice to see ALL people are welcome!
My compliments to the writer/s of this article for providing “food for thought”!
Here’s a thought of my own: “I weigh the man, not his title; 'tis not the king's stamp can make the metal better.” —William Wycherley
People tend to judge others by titles. First thing, I did after I “ordained” is tell my wife, “I am the new sheriff in town! The boss!” She looked at me, “Uh huh. Can you get me some more water?” My response as an newly ordained minister? “Yes dear.” 😂
Titles, religion, politics, whatever the case may be does not change who you are. When I see someone I don’t know, I don’t rush to make conclusions. I don’t personally know ANY politician in D.C. Just because their politics suck or is great doesn’t mean I like them the person. It only means I like or don’t like their politics.
So what does it mean if you are a member of ULC? Perhaps the question should be who are they before they joined? And what do the plan to do with their new found ordainship? I don’t it will change their personality. Enrich it? Maybe. But why should it matter. I, for one, have enough on my plate just being me without obsessing about who or what others are. I will just be kind and friendly until they prove to me that maybe I should run!
In the meantime, wish everyone here health and happiness!
Joseph...doesn't the ULC have a list of all Members?...as far as Jerusalem is concerned, it has been clear since the late 1940's that there is no real drive for a Palestinian State; they turned it down at that time, and now it is only a front for the effort to destroy Israel...i do not agree with Trump on almost anything; i consider him an accidental President who is way too narcissistic to be a good President, but his support for Israel, the only real democracy in the area, is exactly right...Tom
Even a broken clock is right twice a day, Tom.