ULC - IN THE NEWS
Minnesota county will issue permits for atheist weddings
Those who don't believe in a higher power still want to be married like everyone else. A vocal group of atheists in Washington County Minnesota are creating a new type of irreligion. Uniting Godlessness with the trappings of the Church, these folks are opening the doors, not to heaven, but to atheist matrimony.
Source: Reveal
Marriage Bill would not eliminate State`s involvement
With the Supreme Court rulings and subsequent public backlash, both for and against marriage equality, the business of ordination is everywhere in the headlines. This article attempts to explain the different complexities facing Oklahoma residents looking into getting married, particularly by an ordained ULC Minister.
Source: Oklahoma Watch
Melissa Carter: Now ready to preside at your marriages
Now that we will soon be able to legally get married in a church, shouldn't there be someone standing with you who personally understands what it took to get to that altar? Melissa Carter explores the options for having a pastor at your same-sex wedding.
Source: Georgia Voice
Lennie ordained as minister with Universal Life Church
Minister Barbara Lennie, recently ordained with the Universal Life Church, details her plans for her religious future, With goals to work in prisons and help young women in particular, find their way after incarceration.
Source: The Mountain Mail
Tying the knot in Loveland Ski Area on Valentine`s Day
Increasingly, wedding are being held in more and more extreme environments. In this article, Harry Heilmann, registered minister with the Universal Life Church, joined skiers and snowboarders in snowy matrimony. Holding a ceremony at 12,050 feet, Heilmann performed the ceremony to make it a truly epic Valentine's Day wedding.
Source: The Summit Daily News
Deep in Dixie, Synagogue Stands Up for Gay Marriage - and Couples Flock To Say "I Do"
The Supreme Court might be for same-sex unions, but that doesn't mean the weather is. An artic cold wave made it impossible to hold weddings outside, as did courts in Alabama who refused to issue marriage licenses to anyone, but this didn't stop couples from having a good time. Many flocked to a near by synagogue to have their big day.
Source: Forward
Madison County one of seven to issue marriage licenses to gay couples on Monday
In Alabama, seven different counties are prepping to issue marriage licenses to eagerly awaiting same-sex couples on Monday. After the Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex unions, couples statewide are on their ways to being legal recognized as married unions.
Source: Madison County Record
Local officials deny marriage licenses, dispute federal ruling
Down in Mississippi, probate judges refuse to issue marriage licenses-- but that isn't stopping coupes. Several same-sex couples are submitting applications for licenses and going forward with their ceremonies.
Source: The Flor-Ala
Unitarian, pagan and other ministers officiate gay weddings; one Methodist pastor dances
After long waits, several couples in New Orleans head off to their magnolia trees, or where ever else they have always dreamed of being married, and have the happiest days or their lives. With ordinations coming from the Universal Life Church, several couples were able to have their dreams come true.
Source: AL.com
Non-Denominational Christianity Origins: 6 Events That Led to Followers Standing Apart
Non-denominational faith systems are on the rise. In the 90's, less than 200k people in the US identified as such. Now? More than 8 million people claim to have nondenominational beliefs. Churches like ULC are leading the course into a new religious arena.
Source: Newsmax
Ordained ministers wait for chance to marry same-sex couples in Mobile, to no avail
Following the Supreme Court ruling of same-sex marriages being legal, courts in Alabama kept the their doors locked, In efforts to keep same-sex marriages at bay, courts in Mobile refused to issue marriage licenses not only to same-sex couples, but to everyone.
Source: AL.com
Equality groups gather list of officiants to perform same-sex marriages on Monday
Since same-sex marriage became legal, states all over the country are making groundbreaking strides in bringing marriage to all. In Alabama, one pride group are trying vigorously to gather as may clergy men as possible for a large round of gay marriages.
Source: WBRC
Couples in Alabama no longer need Judge and Church to Marry
Even with marriage equality still strongly opposed in Alabama, wedding officiants have it pretty easy. Any pastor or any religious society can oversee a wedding-- your friend could even perform yours. This article is an oped on navigating through the laws of Alabama so you can have your big day in peace.
Source: AL.com
Online Ordinations no longer for just Weddings
Online ordinations are widely known to be helpful when someone is getting married (particularly a friend or family member, or when a couple has differing religious beliefs), but more and more people are using their Universal Life Church ordinations for much more than just weddings.
Source: The Charlotte Observer
Can I chose My Best Friend over my Sister for Maid of Honor?
Choosing a maid of honor might seem like an easy task, but can also cause a bit of drama. If you have a sister who isn't on the best of terms with you, this article sheds some light on how to avoid drama while choosing your maid of honor.
Source: ELLE
Watertown couple makes history with first ever wedding at CNY Pride Festival
The CNY Festival hosted it's first wedding at the Inner Harbor. Michelle LaVancha and Sara Verne were the first wedding of the CNY Festival, and hundreds of people turned out to support.
Source: Syracuse NY
6 Ways to Trim Your Wedding Budget
Today's weddings are costing a lot more than they did a few years ago, A survey of 13,000 brides showed the average wedding costs about $28,000+! This article will help you if you're trying to trim the costs of your big day. Everything from the dress, to the reception, to the wedding officiant is up for debate when you're trying to save a few bucks in your wallet.
Source: U.S. News
How to Become a Legal Wedding Officiant
There are many rewarding aspects of being an ordained minister. Joining two friends in matrimony and helping be a part of a couple's happiest day together are just a few. Becoming an ordained minister is easy and this article helps walk you through it.
Source: oureverydaylife
The Bachelor TV Host Gets Ordained and Performs a Wedding
The Universal Life Church ordained Chris Harrison, the host of the wildly popular Bachelor and Bachellorette reality shows on June 28th 2012. He notably has used his ordination from the ULC to perform a wedding for his television show's producers Cassie Lambert and Pete Scalettar.
Source: PRWEB
Universal Life Church calls upon Google to Block Services in "Hate States"
The Universal Life Church calls for economic sanctions on 'hate states' and for other organizations to fight the cause as well. For too long institutions designed to protect and preserve hate have been allowed to exist. The ULC is asking Google to sanction their search engine in these states.
Source: PRWEB
