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Universal Life Church

Universal Life Church
Universal Life Church logo.png
Leader Andre Hensley
Region Worldwide
Founder Kirby J. Hensley
Origin May 2, 1962
Modesto, California
Members 18,000,000+
Official website www.ulchq.com

The Universal Life Church (ULC) is a religious denomination that has no traditional doctrine, believing merely in "that which is right". It offers anyone ordination as a minister free of charge, primarily to those who marry couples. In 1969, soon after its foundation, critics referred to it derisively as an ordination mill due to its simplified ordination procedures. The organization states that anyone can become a minister without having to go through any process.


It was founded under the name "Life Church" in 1959 by the Reverend Kirby J. Hensley, who operated the church out of his garage. Disappointed with the Pentecostal church, Hensley decided to venture on his own to find his religion. After five years of studying various religions, Hensley 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 incorporated the Universal Life Church with Co-Founder and (then) Vice President Lewis Ashmore in California on May 2, 1962. Hensley served as minister of the congregation and was President of the Board of Directors until his death on March 19, 1999. His widow, Lida, was subsequently elected president of the church, a position she held until her death on December 31, 2006.

On January 14, 2007, the ULC's board of directors elected as president Hensley's son, Andre Hensley. He had previously been office manager of the headquarters, running the day-to-day business of the church.

As of early 2009, ULC was sending out between 8,500 and 10,000 ordination certificates each month. Between 1962 and 2008, it sent out almost 18 million worldwide.

The ULC Headquarters holds weekly services in an historic church building in Modesto. ULC ministers are authorized to officiate at weddings and funerals, perform baptisms or verbal baby naming ceremonies, hold services (called meetings), and all other sacraments and rites regularly performed by ordained clergy as part of the belief system the minister represents. Ministers in the ULC are also authorized and encouraged to ordain others as ministers. The ordaining minister informs the home church, and the information is added to the official church records.


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