Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Looking to get ordained in Rhode Island? In this guide, we'll walk you through each step of the process and talk about the many advantages of being an ordained minister. As you probably know, it wasn't so long ago that becoming a minister meant a lengthy formal schooling process (which didn't come cheap, by the way). Not only that, but certain segments of the population were frequently excluded due to their immutable characteristics.
But online ordination with the Universal Life Church flipped that script on its head. The ULC has proudly dismantled those historic barriers to participation in ministry by pioneering a new online model for ordination that allows anyone who feels so-called to get ordained. And the best part? Ordination is free, and the process can be done 100% online.
Rhode Island may be a small state, but it's roar has been loud as a historic champion of doing what's right in the world. That attitude aligns well with the ULC, the first tenet of which demands that we all "Do That Which is Right". It's no wonder, then, that thousands of Rhode Islanders from all across the "Plantation State" have elected to become ordained with the ULC.
Below, we'll explain how online ordination works, the different ways it can be put to use, and (of course) show you have to become a minister in Rhode Island!
1. Fill Out Your Rhode Island Ordination Application
Getting ordained with the Universal Life Church Ministries is a straightforward process. All that's needed is to fill out a brief form on our website, press submit, and your ordination will be instantly processed. Once you see your digital ordination credentials pop up, it's official: you're now a minister! You'll also get an email from us confirming your ordination, so keep an eye on your inbox. When you're ready to get started, hit the button below!
You might be thinking: "why is ULC ordination this simple?" The answer stems from our guiding philosophy: that everyone should have the opportunity to follow their own spiritual path, wherever that may lead. Faith is inherently unique to each individual – and because it's so personal, it can mean different things to different people. Unlike traditional religious organizations that impose their views top-down on members, the ULC takes a different approach. We believe that anyone who feels so-called should be able to pursue their faith journey in the way that makes the most sense to them. And empowering folks to do this begins with an ordination process that is accessible to everyone.
2. Get Your Ordination Certificate
After getting ordained online, you should get a physical copy of your credentials. No matter what sorts of ministerial activities you’d like to get involved in, the next step is to ensure you have all the necessary supplies and documents to pursue your goals! Here are some of the most popular items among our ministers in Rhode Island:
If those items don't seem relevant to your goals, not to worry! Feel free to explore our full catalog of ministry supplies.
Become a Wedding Officiant in Rhode Island
Among the many reasons that people choose to get ordained online is to officiate legal wedding ceremonies. Every year, ULC ministers perform scores of successful wedding ceremonies all across Rhode Island. Some people become a minister just to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, but many members of the ULC have gone on to start careers as professional wedding officiants in Rhode Island!
Smithfield in the north and Narragansett to the south would both provide beautiful locations for any ministry work you are asked to perform - like a surprise wedding ceremony! With so many nature-themed wedding venues throughout the state, a nature-themed wedding script would be perfect for the couple to cement their vows to each other.
If you think officiating a wedding could be in your future, you'll want to get up to speed on the rules and requirements for doing so in Rhode Island. As marriages are legal ceremonies, it's important to follow the correct processes in order for the wedding to be recognized.
As these rules vary from place to place, once you know where the ceremony will be held, you should read up on the requirements in that area to make sure you know what's required to officiate. To learn more, check out our step-by-step guide on how to perform a wedding in Rhode Island.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Rhode Island?
Getting ordained is only the beginning of this journey! Once your ordination is confirmed, you will have all types of doors open to you. The small coastal town of Tiverton may differ drastically from Pawtucket, but both are full of ULC ministers "doing that which is right."
We've heard from many of our members in Rhode Island who have even proceeded to start their own churches! To learn more about the possibilities available to ULC ministers, please visit the Minister Training Center.
What Ordination Means in Rhode Island
The concept of ordination exists across many different belief systems, and has been practiced for centuries. This formal act of consecration confers upon individuals the power of leadership status within a religious organization. With this status typically comes the authority to perform clergy duties, such as performing ceremonies.
The process itself can differ markedly from one religious tradition to another, but every faith system has its own specific methods for ordaining members. Historically, there were plenty of barriers to becoming ordained. To even be considered for clergyhood, members typically had to study for years, pay for expensive schooling, and pass numerous tests. Ordination also meant conforming to the standards set by church, no matter how strict or how well they aligned with one's personal identity or views.
The ULC views this traditional style of ordination as archaic, unfair, and most of all, exclusionary. That's why we've reimagined the ordination process from the ground up, pioneering a new online model that allows anyone who feels so-called to become a minister.
Furthermore, getting ordained via the Universal Life Church Ministries bestows upon you the same authority and rights under the law that apply to ministers of more traditional faith backgrounds. With the power of the Constitution at their side, ULC ministers in Rhode Island have the privilege of performing duties that were historically reserved only for members of the clergy from traditional faith institutions.
Why ULC Ordinations Are Valid in Rhode Island
The Universal Life Church Ministries is an established organization in good standing in Rhode Island, meaning that all ordinations conferred by the ULC are valid there. Our ministers enjoy the authority to carry out all the duties performed by other clergy members, including the power to officiate legal wedding ceremonies.
Is it Legal to Get Ordained Online in Rhode Island?
Yes! The First Amendment to the Constitution extends freedom of religion to everyone in the United States, regardless of what their faith is or how they choose to practice it. The ULC has, per its practices, legally ordained thousands of ministers online in Rhode Island. Every day, these intelligent, thoughtful ministers are legally performing services and ceremonies in their communities.
The ULC believes that everyone who feels so-called, regardless of their particular beliefs, should have access to ordination and the ability to captain their own spiritual ship. We ask only that our ministers abide by two tenets:
Do that which is right, and
Every individual is free to practice their religion in the manner of their choosing, so long as that expression does not impinge upon the rights or freedoms of others and is in accordance with the government's laws.
How Long Does it Take to Get Ordained in Rhode Island?
The amount of time it can take to get ordained can vary depending on what avenue you are taking to become an ordained minister. The ULC believes that ordination should be accessible to any individual who feels so-called, so we've created an innovative platform that allows anyone interested in the path of ordination to apply for that online. Properly requested ULC ordinations are granted almost instantaneously, and we've legally ordained thousands of ministers in Rhode Island who are doing amazing work every day.
If you are feeling called to join our community, we'd be happy to welcome you!
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in Rhode Island?
The cost of ordination depends entirely on how and through which institution you choose to become ordained. Going to a traditional seminary or religious graduate program can cost thousands and thousands of dollars in tuition alone. The ULC has worked tirelessly since its founding to ensure that ordination can be made available to anyone who feels so-called, regardless of their economic status. For this reason, among others, online ordination with the Universal Life Church is absolutely free.
This policy has enabled thousands of people who would ordinarily never be able to achieve ordination as a result of their financial limitations to achieve that goal and utilize their new status to improve themselves and their communities. We do ask for a small fee from any minister who chooses to order physical supplies or copies of their credentials to help us cover the cost of those, but the ULC's online ordination itself has no charge and is open to all.
How Can You Get Ordained in Rhode Island for Free?
As noted above, online ordination with the ULC is always free! If you are interested in applying for online ordination and haven't done so already, please just scroll up to step 1 on this page and hit the big blue button to begin your ordination application and the next big adventure in your life!
Do you have to be a resident of Rhode Island?
An online ordination from the ULC is not itself state-specific, meaning that you only need to get ordained once and that ordination itself is valid no matter where in the world you happen to be.
You should be aware that different states do often have different rules and regulations for how certain ceremonies, like weddings, are meant to be performed - so prior to performing any ceremony with legal significance we always suggest that you reach out to the government office that will be overseeing the results of that ceremony ahead of time to ensure that you have all of the paperwork you'll need.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Ordained in Rhode Island
The Universal Life Church requires that all those who apply for online ordination be at least 18 years of age or older. This age restriction, along with other policies and procedures related to the ordination process, are made clear as you are completing the application form. Any ordination application that is made under false pretenses or in violation of our terms and conditions will be automatically considered void, and we will not be able to defend the legitimacy of any ordination granted under false pretenses or otherwise in violation of our guidelines.
