Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Mormon Aid to Prop 8 Subject of Inquiry

Contributions to Proposition 8 by the LDS included not just monetary donations, but time and services that marriage equality activists say were not disclosed in accordance with California law.

“Who paid for the buses, travel costs, meals and other expenses of all the Mormon participants?” the complaint reads. “No contributions were reported.”

The Fair Political Practices Commission of California has commenced an investigation in response to these allegations.

-NYT

Conference Addresses Spirituality in China

Baylor University, a Baptist University in Texas, recently held a seminar about Spirituality in China. The event, entitled "Chinese Spirituality and Society: A Symposium on the Social Scientific Study of Religion" was a breakthrough in spiritual relations between the two nations.

The summit marked an intriguing development in the increasingly public conversation of religion in China, as Chinese governmental officials as well as leaders from major universities throughout China attended the conference...

Also at the conference, Stark received a major honor: a Letter of Appointment to the title of Honorary Sociology Professor at Peking University. Stark was recognized for his many contributions to the scientific study of religion, as well as his significant following among many scholars in China.

(BU)

Both Baylor University and Peking University continue to work toward establishing a grasp on religion, in a nation that has long maintained a strong stance against organized religion. As the Chinese government slowly warms to the idea of individual liberties, we will hopefully see an enthusiastic welcome to the spiritual expression of the people.

- Baylor University

Activists Take on H8

daywithoutagay.org

Marriage Equality Rally, Seattle Nov. 15, 2008

Your correspondent accompanied Brother Martin, presiding chaplain of the ULC Monastery, to the Marriage Equality rally held last Saturday in Seattle. The protest was one of dozens taking place over the weekend in cities across the USA.

The issue dominated both broadcast and print media giving indication that the recent passage of Prop. 8 in California has shocked people out of complacency and galvanized a movement.

The event was not without its detractors, mostly of the hellfire and brimstone stripe whose efforts to be seen and heard seemed largely futile. Opponents of gay marriage long for the 'golden years' of 'traditional values' when homosexuality was taboo same-sex marriage was inconceivable. But to paraphrase a comedian John Stewart, "the tradition in America is a tradition of individual freedoms" and "gay marriage is the next step."

Proposition 8 and the Mormon Church

Now more than a week after the November 4th election, California's Proposition 8, which was passed by voters, is continuing to draw public controversy. Proposition 8, which has banned same-sex marriages in the State of California is now being protested throughout the country. One of the most publicized contentions is the role of the Mormon Church and its contributions to the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign.

From New York City to Los Angeles protesters marched outside of Mormon Churches.

These protests are not isolated, but rather, a wider trend of demonstrations from New York to Los Angeles targeting Mormons. Groups are focusing on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints because its members poured in tens of millions of dollars to defeat gay marriage in California.

(ABC)

In September a website was created to track Mormon contributions to the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign. Mormons for Proposition 8 Donors asks the question, "How much money have LDS donors provided to this campaign?" On the site you can view contribution and expenditure information by the campaign. The FAQ section of the site responds to the perception of bias:

Is this an anti-Mormon website?

Definitely not. Just as the people who support Prop 8 say they are “not anti-gay, just pro-marriage”, this site is “not anti-Mormon, just pro-information.”

(MF8)

- ABC News
- Mormons for Proposition 8 Donors

Are Monuments Free Speech?

The U.S. Supreme court will soon be hearing arguments in a case that started in Pleasant Grove City, Utah. The issue in question is whether or not a local religious group, the Summum, can donate a statue to have placed in a public park. There is currently another statue on display in the park, a tablet inscribed with the 10 commandments, and the Pleasant Grove City refuses to display the Summum statue.

“We have a city that will allow one organization to put up its religious ideals and principles,” [Brian Barnard, attorney for the Summum church] said. “When the next group comes along, they won’t allow it to put up its religious ideals and principles.”

(NYT)

The Mayor of Please Grove City, Michael W. Daniels, does not see the situation as giving preferential treatment to one religion over another.

“The fact that we own the monument doesn’t mean that what is on the monument is something we are espousing, promoting, establishing, embracing,” Mr. Daniels said. “We’re looking at, Does it fit with the heritage of the people of this area?”

(NYT)

And according to Mr. Daniels, the Summum principles are not a part of the local heritage. It would not hurt for both sides pay a visit to the Univesal Life Church.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday, November 12.


- New York Times

Ministers of the Future

As students go away for college, some are empowered to begin a new personal relationship with their spirituality through the Universal Life Church. Students at Brown University are beginning to discover what the church can do for them.

For Curry-Broadbent, his ordination has also provided him with a more personal sense of spiritual identity.

"I think it can be kind of internally empowering," he said. "In a sense it could be spiritually empowering."

(BDH)

Each new minister can cite a reason for their ordination, with influences ranging from spiritual betterment to simply performing a marriage. All individuals are welcome to get ordained.

Under Brown University's section of the college party culture blog, College on the Road, the assertion is made that these online ordinations are less than legitimate.

The best part? ULC doesn’t discriminate based on one’s religion. So, your Jewish/Muslim/Buddhist friends can all get in on the sacrilegious action.

(COTR)

While our ordinations may be sacrilegious in the eyes of some, it is comforting to know that the author of this article is in a position to continue their education. We suggest a class in comparative religion.

There is a long history of judicial disputes involving the Universal Life Church, and records show that our work as freedom fighters continues today.


- The Brown Daily Herald
- College on the Road

LDS $upport for Prop 8 Violates 501(c)(3) Status

Section 501(c)(3) of US Code Title 26 states that the exemption applies only to organizations where:

...no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation...

The ad hoc blog LDS501c3 has posted instructions and pre-filled forms allowing anyone to file an official complaint with the IRS.

A stated goal of the blog is to point out the inherent hypocrisy on the part of the Mormon church in supporting "traditional marriage" in the case of Prop 8

Ballpark Weddings!

In Omaha, Nebraska, Minor League Baseball team the Royals are now offering a unique wedding service at their home stadium.

Do you picture the first day of the rest of your life on a sunny day, with the people you love surrounding you, taking the plunge into wedded bliss with your significant other? What about the smell of peanuts and hot dogs, the sound of a bat hitting a ball, or about 5,300 of your closest friends and family in attendance for the big day? If so...we have the perfect opportunity for you!

(OR)

When 2009 comes around, couples will be able to tie the knot at Rosenblat Stadium with (ULC Monastery ordained) Most Reverend Adam Pierce Kelly to ready to perform the nuptials.

"My whole reason for doing this is to create a unique experience for couples who get married, or renew their marriage vows at Rosenblatt Stadium," Kelly said. "I feel it will create lasting memories of their big event and of this world-renowned, historic ballpark."

(OSC)

Best of luck with your new ministry Rev. Kelly, and for the 2009 season - Go Royals!


- Omaha Royals Homepage
- Our Sports Central

Rev. Smith Goes to Chicago

ULC Minister Bill Smith had the opportunity last night to represent the Universal Life Church at an invite-only gathering at the Obama rally in Grant Park, Chicago. Reverend Smith shook President-elect Obama's hand and conveyed the church's greetings and congratulations.

The atmosphere in Grant Park was emotional and electrifying according to Reverend Smith.

"Its like I woke up and a giant switch of hope was turned on again after so many years of darkness!"

Free Ordinations to All Who Vote!

... and free ordinations for everyone else. It is Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, and election day is finally here. Many organizations are offering perks to voters, however all we can offer are words of encouragement (of course, our ordinations are as free today as they are every day of the year).

So please, Do That Which is Right; find your way to the polls and let your voice be heard!

Voice of America Speaks for the ULC

One of America's most trusted government funded public news sources, the Voice of America, recently broadcast a story on traditional minister alternatives in the United States.

Other Web sites offering free and immediate ordination services include the Universal Life Church Monastery and the Church of Spiritual Humanism. The Universal Life Church says it welcomes all people who show interest in becoming ministers, whether they are religious or not. The church claims to have ordained more than twenty million ministers online around the world.

One of those people is writer George Estreich of Corvallis, Oregon. Exactly five months ago, he performed his first wedding ceremony. The groom was Michael Filtz, the younger brother of his wife. The bride was Mallika Good.

(VoA)

Congratulations Michael and Mallika, and congratulations to George for performing his first wedding.

In California, ULC weddings are happening as well...

Bridget Ellen Marnane, a travel executive, and Evan Marc Katz, a dating coach, were married Saturday evening aboard the yacht Regent Sea. Joel L. Eve, a minister of the Universal Life Church and the captain of the yacht, officiated in the Pacific near Marina del Rey, Calif.

(NYT)

Congratulations Ellen and Evan, and let us not forget about the thousands of same-sex marriages that could be affected by Proposition 8.


- Voice of America
- New York Times