Universal Life Church

Abortion and Universal Health-care

2009-11-13T15:20:00.001-08:00

November 13, 2009 - Much has been said about the proposed universal health-care bill. Politicians from the left and right side of the aisle have expressed their constituents concerns towards views on various issues that would impact them once the bill passes. Perhaps the most troublesome part of the bill for legislators and administrative officials is determining how to reconcile differences in opinion and opposing social views on abortion funding, spending and the government’s role to satisfy the forthright majority, which adamantly opposes tax dollars being used for abortion services.

What would you think though if you heard that excluding abortion services or providing language to exclude abortion services is being considered unconstitutional and a violation of First Amendment freedoms? This is the claim that was presented in a recent article on the Examiner website written by Marc Rubin. Whether or not he is correct in his analysis of the abortion vs. universal health-care issues, he does make several valid points in his First Amendment argument for the case, something that people from all faiths and backgrounds should be discussing openly with one another. Mr. Rubin argues that,

1. “Thomas Jefferson specifically wrote in his letters that the First Amendment regarding religion was designed, in Jefferson's words, "to build a wall between the government and the church". The Founders wanted to make sure the church would never have any official influence or hand in the affairs of state.”

2. “The wall established by the Constitution was taken down by Nancy Pelosi and Barrack Obama when they caved in to political pressure by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops who are credited with creating the anti- abortion language in the health care bill.”

3. “The bishops were acting no doubt out of a sense of morality based on their religious beliefs, but beliefs not shared or even accepted by tens of millions of people.”

4. “They [founding fathers] did not want legislation affecting tens of millions, or now hundreds of millions, written by politicians, that were influenced by the religious beliefs of any one particular religious entity.”

Sources:

Examiner

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (Letter to Congress)

Why We Can't Wait.

2009-10-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

A letter to President Obama with an attached Legal Brief In Reply:

Reply to the President

We are all children of the same universe, and we each have a right to be here, marry who we want and to serve our nation in every capacity when needed.

Dear Mr. President,

Thank you for your response to our previous communications. I have taken into consideration the issues that you face and the momentous strategies that you are now forced to deal with. Nonetheless, your mantra of the “fierce urgency of now” rises to the forefront of this issue-- equality for all Americans in all areas, black and white, young and old and now gay and straight.

Your reply letter implicates a new strategy of gradualism which acts to maintain a wrong, rather than to cure a bigoted injustice. Gradualism has no place in the denial of civil or human rights. Gradualism is but a crumb from the table as opposed to an equal piece of the American pie of justice. I recall Dr. King’s address at Riverside Church, wherein he raised the issue of “why we can’t wait” saying:

“We tolerated hate; we tolerated the sick stimulation of violence in all walks of life; and we tolerated the differential application of law, which said that a man's life was sacred only if we agreed with his views.”

Mr. President, neither God nor Nature can wait for a scheduled gradualism in this 21st Century of Change.

I come as a redeemed sinner with a compelling purpose. A purpose to plead heaven and nature’s hidden truth: God made gay people and that heaven and nature demand justice, truth and fair play.

The LGBT community has been subjected to work and housing discrimination, bashings, lynching and murder throughout the history of this country. Let us not forget a young gay student, crucified on a fence and left to bleed to death on a cold Wyoming winter night, and many other similar situations too numerous to mention here. Nor can we ignore the latest studies showing that since 1999 there has been an increase in hate crimes, resulting in death and injury throughout America. One cannot hide the rising number of suicides by gay teenagers, or the number of teenagers who are bullied, beaten and abandoned by their families and churches, simply because God and Nature decreed their sexuality to be different from the majority.

“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” - MLK

American hate derives from institutional instruction and attitudes which rise from the indifference of school officials who to turn a blind eye when they see a bully teasing a gay child. Moreover, it is reflected in the attitudes of the military, which contrary to the best interests of our country, insists upon rejecting soldiers simply because God made them gay. These actions wrongly support existing bigotry and teach our children that gays are not equal citizens among God’s children.

Mr. President, the world and Heaven is watching you. Our counsel to you is to follow the lessons of presidential history and tradition, empanel a Presidential Commission to set a date certain to remove “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and stay all pending DADT discharges. The nominees to head up this panel should be former President Clinton, former Vice President Dick Cheney, Senator John McCain, and last but most important, former General Colin Powell. They well understand the “urgency of now.” They will bring the prestige and experience to unite our military in line with the policies of our NATO military allies.

“Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love” - MLK

Today, we ask that you instruct our Solicitor General to speak that truth. The truth that the United States of America respects the individuality and sexuality of all Americans, that we are all are children of the same universe, and that we each have a right to be here, marry who we want and to serve our nation in every capacity when needed.

To all: attached herein is a sample brief which outlines an astonishing heritage and contribution that the LGBT community has given to society. We ask that you use what works, remembering that the power and force of heaven sides with all messengers of truth and justice.

Respectfully,

G. Martin Freeman, Presiding Chaplain

Universal Life Church Monastery

October 21, 2009

Church's reply to President Obama

Proposed Arguments for First Amendment Marriage Equality
Send to friends

Past correspondence:

President Obama's Reply

(September 28, 2009)

Go to the article

Letter to Obama

(June 17, 2009)

Go to the article

Please share your thoughts with us.

We have opened our forum for discussion as well

Also: We Need Help! Please send this to your friends and family. Here is a link to copy and paste: http://blog.themonastery.org/2009/10/we-cant-wait.html

Reply from President Obama

2009-10-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

We received a reponse from the Whitehouse to a letter we sent back in June.

Here is a transcript:

THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 28, 2009

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate your perspective.

Every American deserves equal protection under our laws, and neither Federal nor state law should discriminate against any American. The issue of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights has all too often been used to divide our country. We must treat all of our citizens with dignity and respect, and stand united in our protection of equality--a founding principle of our Nation and a moral imperative.

I continue to oppose a Constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. We must also extend the over 1,100 Federal marital rights and benefits to same-sex couples, because every American should be able to visit a loved one in the hospital, transfer property, and receive equal health insurance and other employment benefits.

My Administration is committed to addressing a full spectrum of issues important to the LGBT community. We can reduce discrimination by strengthening hate crimes statutes; supporting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act; ensuring adoption rights for all couples and individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation; and opposing discrimination in public accommodations. To combat HIV/AIDS, we need policies that support people living with this illness and increased funding for prevention, care, and research. I also support repealing the current Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in a sensible way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. Please join me online to learn more about my civil rights agenda at: www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/civil_rights.

Together, we can create a more open and tolerant society that protects and values all people. Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

DADT reflects the struggle of all minorities

2009-10-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

October 16, 2009 - Department of Defense data provided by the Palm Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara reports that more women are affected by the federal government's discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy than are men.

It should rightfully be viewed as somewhat of a set back for many human rights activists who have fought tirelessly year after year to secure equal rights for for women. The right to bodily integrity and autonomy, to vote (suffrage), to work, to run for public office, to work for fair wages and equal pay, to own property, to education, to serve in the military, to enter into legal contracts and to have marital, parental and religious rights shared equally with every other American citizen and protected by the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. The struggle for human rights is not limited to any one race, orientation or gender; it is one that people of all creed and background face each day worldwide. A woman's right to serve in the military should not be taken away simply because it is against the beliefs of one part of society.

As the Caribbean-American writer, poet and activist Audre Lorde stated about her own struggles as a minority woman,

"It's a struggle but that's why we exist, so that another generation of Lesbians of color will not have to invent themselves, or their history, all over again."

"If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive."

So as we continue forward with our struggle to secure equal rights for all people of all nations, reflect on the message that,

"We're all children of the same Universe", and we each have a right to be here. - G Martin Freeman

Sources:

Current News

Unification Church's Founder marries 45,000 in Mass Wedding

2009-10-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

October 14, 2009 - The controversial founder of the Unification Church, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, organized his church's largest mass wedding in a decade. The reverend, whose church hand-picks the couples to be married, has received a lot of criticism over the years from faiths who criticize his leadership methods and ideology.

Rev. Sun Myung Moon's church teaches that "marriage and family are core to spirituality." He pairs together couples who believe that he is endowed with divine insight. Moon and wife Han Hak-ja preside over the mass weddings, dressed in priest-style white gowns and towering caps, marrying thousands of Unification Church couples in stadiums and arenas, despite public criticism and accusations of brain-washing.

Moon, who turns 90 this January has begun turning control of the Unification Church over to his children; three sons and one daughter. He continues to advocate for World Peace and Unity by advancing him and his followers belief that, this method of pairing followers from different nations should be a continued practice to promote the union of culture and races. The majority of the international newlyweds do not meet one another prior to the wedding ceremony, but continue to believe that their method of integrating cultures and beliefs to be the option for peace and unity.

It is reported that around 20,000 people from all around the globe tuned in via live webcast to experience the event.

One Unification Church follower, Fumi Oliver, reported from Washington that, "Marriage is the best way to make peace." Oliver is a native of Japan, and married an American- Rev. Zagery Oliver twelve years ago and has been happy and content since.

"International, intercultural, interracial marriage is the best way to make peace," Fumi Oliver said.

Source:

LA Times

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

Call for Clergy to Spotlight Domestic Abuse

2009-10-13T15:33:00.001-07:00

October 13, 2009 - It may come as somewhat of a surprise, to learn clergy in Washington DC were reluctant to aide State Attorney Glenn Ivey with his campaign to address the growing problem of domestic violence in the country. In a recent article written for The Washington Post, Ivey describes the shocking experience he had listening to commentary from the public on the radio and television in response to superstar Chris Brown's alleged beating of his celebrity girlfriend, Rihanna.

"At least initially, a large contingent of people thought that Rihanna was guilty until proven innocent. Not only were they willing to defend Brown, but they also seemed convinced that she must have done something to "deserve" being beaten."

DC Clergy were hesitant to assist State Attorney Ivey with his call for action, against domestic violence. Instead he was met with statements such as,

"''Brother, it's a little hot to talk about that one.' Or, 'Well, I'll take it up, and we'll form a task force and get back to you.' . . . And then there are churches where the response to the victim is, 'You have to stick it out.' "

As Ivey has brought to light, domestic violence and even hate crimes in this country have become a sensitive political issue; which the Universal Life Church Monastery believes should make it even that much more important to all American's, believers and non-believers alike.

"We are advocates of the Good Life" and as such we encourage all people, ULC ministers and clergy from all faiths to aspire to such public advocacy and to not cower before those who propagate hate.

Get involved and encourage others to do the same, become ordained today.

"We are all Children of the Same Universe"

Sources:

The Washington Post - Valerie Strauss

The Washington Post - Glenn F. Ivey

Obama Addresses Human Rights Campaign

2009-10-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

October 12, 2009 - This past saturday, President Barack Obama addressed the largest LGBT rights organization in the country, the HRC. His speech preceding Sunday's National Equality March on Washington DC, which brought out activists from all across the nation into the streets of our nation's capitol to demand equal rights and protection under the law as provided under the US Constitution. Obama stated during his HRC address,

"For nearly 30 years, you've advocated on behalf of those without a voice. That's not easy. For despite the real gains that we've made, there's still laws to change and there's still hearts to open. There are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors, even loved ones -- good and decent people -- who hold fast to outworn arguments and old attitudes; who fail to see your families like their families; who would deny you the rights most Americans take for granted. And that's painful and it's heartbreaking."

The president addressed such problems as the HIV/AIDS epidemic, gay-youth suicides, hate crimes and the controversial 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy signed into law during the Clinton Administration, which prohibits gays from openly serving in the military. His speech ended with his final promise,

"I've called on Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and to pass the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act. And we must all stand together against divisive and deceptive efforts to feed people's lingering fears for political and ideological gain."

Pope Benedict XVI opens synod on Africa issues

2009-10-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

October 5, 2009 - Approximately 200 bishops from 53 African states came together yesterday in the Vatican to celebrate mass for the opening of the synod on Africa, with the purpose of addressing many of the challenges that the Universal Church is facing in the continent. Pope Benedict XVI stated that Africa's rich cultural and spiritual treasures are the "spiritual lung" for a world facing crisis and hope, further stating that Africa is being afflicted by "toxic spiritual garbage", the result of materialism and fundamentalism.

Statistics from the Vatican show that 17% of Africa's population is Catholic. The Universal Church's presence on the continent has grown enormously over the past few decades. Reportedly, from the years of 1978-2007 the number of faithful Catholics in Africa grew from 55 million to 146 million.

Pope Benedict has urged for less fundamentalism from groups of missionaries claiming to be from religious backgrounds but promoting religious intolerance and violence, the Pope referred to this as a "virus" threatening the region. He urged the Catholic Church in Africa to be a voice of reconciliation, justice and peace among the continent's various ethnic and religious groups.

Source:

The Associated Press

United Press International

"You can't turn your home into a wedding chapel"

2009-09-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

September 30, 2009 - A 7000 square-foot mansion on Paseo del Mar in Palos Verdes Estates has allegedly been rented out to the public by owner, Melahat Uzumcu; for weddings and to vacationers, which would be a violation of city ordinances. Uzumcu will be arraigned Tuesday in Torrance Superior Court on charges of violating zoning codes, public nuisance and conducting a business without a license. The maximum penalty that she risks facing is 2-years in jail and a $4,000 fine.

Caution, City says you can't:

Universal Life Church Monastery suggests that prior to using a private space for public weddings, you must realize that your neighbors and the city through its various agencies, including the building department, fire department, health department and land use department – must approve of your action first or you will face the same consequences that many wedding chapels are running into. We do believe that a religious wedding is protected by the First Amendment provisions; “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” However, you will face the consequences of arguing that issue in a court of law at your expense against government bureaucrats who may not agree with you.

Source: LA Times
Photo: Steve McCrank

Compliance with ADA met with Expressed Religious Intolerance

2009-09-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

September 17, 2009 - The Shelton, Connecticut neighborhood of Greenfield Drive is host to a story of religious intolerance and provides an accurate representation of the struggle that many small religious organizations and individuals practicing from home are facing around the United States; the freedom to practice religion without discrimination and to assemble peacefully, without restrictions from city authorities, state officials and speculative neighbors.

Practicing Wiccan Robert de Maille von Schmidt, is facing opposition from Shelton neighbors who feel that his recent application to expand his front porch to allow for wheel chair access as compliant with ADA standards, is nothing more than a “devious” attempt at establishing a future temple for the Wiccan Coven of the Spiral Light which he heads.

Concerned neighbor, Mary Peck has stated that,

“Any kind of religion is good; I just have a problem with people trying to shove their religion in my face.”

Neighbor Julie Raslavsky has expressed her belief that,

"The whole thing is inappropriate" and that the neighborhood is “up in arms over this."

WitchVox.com has public notices of a Public Mabon Ritual to be held by the Wiccan Coven of the Spiral Light to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox and Witches Thanksgiving from the home.

Mary Peck who is monitoring her neighbors closely has stated that many of the ceremonies involve people dressed in black robes and for one such ceremony there was a sign put up at a neighborhood intersection, courteously inviting the public to attend.

July Raslavsky has affirmed her personal beliefs by calling the group “devious” and “untrustworthy”.

City Zoning Administrator Rick Schultz has responded with the fact that, Churches are allowed by right in residential zones however the city “would have to look at its parking". He went on to state that "there is a difference between people meeting at a home as a group and an assembly as a church activity." He noted that many churches exist in the city and have appropriate space for parking. No application for such activity has been made and the speculation of a future religious temple from neighbors has been the only issue addressed over the ADA compliant porch debacle; not whether or not it is benefitting individuals visiting the home who may have disabilities.

“But if it does progress into an issue of conducting church services in a residential neighborhood, it could become a zoning issue, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Tony Pagoda said."

“People who live in glass houses should not throw stones”

Source:

Connecticut Post, ConnPost.com

MSNBC News

You Lie! [boy]

2009-09-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

There is an audible undercurrent in the vociferous protestations of a lunatic fringe of Teabaggers, Birthers, and Deathers. It is a tacit refusal to acknowledge a black man as Head of State, Commander in Chief. A sign at last week's "Tea Party" protest in read "The zoo has an African lion and there's a lyin' African in the White House".

The movement now has a champion in Congressman Joe Wilson who infamously interrupted Barak Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress shouting "You lie!" Your correspondent's favorite ginger at the Grey Lady, speaking of the congressman's outburst observes that "For two centuries, the South has feared a takeover by blacks or the feds. In Obama, they have both."

In Memory of Shirley - Las Vegas, Clark County

2009-09-14T17:24:00.001-07:00

September 14, 2009- Today is an unusual day. In Clark County, Las Vegas, Nevada we have recently run into much difficulty in trying to re-instate the policies and practices allowing our Ministers to perform weddings in Las Vegas. Unfortunately the County Clerk, Shirley Parraguirre was a stand in the door kind of obstacle. We saw Shirley as an opponent of equal rights for our ULC Ministers. We had reached the preliminary steps to bringing litigation against Clark County and its County Clerk, Shirley Parraguirre. Yet, we must say that the human side of every issue dictates cordiality and respect and the appreciation of human life. When one’s soul passes on it diminishes each of us. Shirley died of Leukemia on Monday August 31st; we send our condolences to her family and friends, hoping to build upon a new tomorrow in memory of Shirley.

Respectfully,

Br. G. Martin Freeman, President
Universal Life Church Monastery
Seattle, WA

Evolution Hits a Bad Note with Parents and Teachers in Missouri

2009-08-31T12:41:00.001-07:00

From the Desk of Br. Daniel Chapin
ULC Monastery Vice President
July 2009

How Comfortable Are You?
___________________________

I recently spent some time in a Hostel in Santa Monica, California. You see my work takes me all over the country, but if you are anything like me, you can relate when I tell you that Hotel rooms are for tourists... Hostels, however, are for travelers.... and, yes, there is a difference. This being noted, another reason I enjoy staying at hostels is that there is such an eclectic spirit within. Many cultures, languages, personalities, backgrounds all coming together under one roof.. We eat together, sleep together & we learn from one another outside the comfort zones of fancy hotels & dining halls... The fact is that I'm that type of traveler; and in fact, that type of individual who does not want to go where many have gone before. I don't want to see what the eyes have already seen and the ears have already heard... I don't wish to sleep in a queen size bed with a mint on the pillow.
Life is rarely so comfortable - So why should my travels be?

OK so now that I have gotten your attention, all of this is said to introduce this month’s message which I can also preface with a question -
How Comfortable Are You?

We live in a society of comfort. While our nation indeed faces a financial recession, walk into any Starbucks Coffee on a Monday morning and you might have second thoughts on this as you watch dozens line up to order their $4.00 Venti Soy Caramel Macchiato... Or perhaps consider that here in California we are facing a drought - We have been for years and yet - We Play in Water.... Water Amusement Parks rake in thousands of tourists a year and tens of thousands of dollars....

How Comfortable Are You?

Beyond our Means of Living as a Nation of Comfort we are also a nation of the uncomfortable. Last year a group of youth from a youth group I was involved in visited one area of Kentucky largely considered to be within one of the poorest counties of the United States. It was Christmas time during that visit and one of our youth presented a playstation to one of the resident youth who I was told kept saying over and over - "Now all I need is a T.V. to play it on...."

How Comfortable Are You?

Comfort, friends, is more than a state of economics, it is also a state of mind. Perhaps it originates there and expresses itself in our ways of living & thinking, viewing & treating one another..

One of the beauties of our Church is that we in many ways stand collectively outside the comfort zone which exists in many a "Brick & Mortar" Church across this nation & world for that matter. Others used to tell our Founder Kirby Hensley that what he taught was uncomfortable at times to hear. Good. We needed to step out of our comfortable spiritual boxes then & we still could benefit by doing so today... Here we stand as ministers collectively but not necessarily comfortably at all times. We represent many cultures, languages, personalities, backgrounds all coming together under one roof.. And yet, we do not always see eye to eye. We have Christians & Pagans, Buddhists & Atheists. We have Progressives & Traditionalists. We have heterosexuals & homosexuals, Republicans, Democrats & Independents. And yet, we stand - Somehow we stand... Visit our Ministers Network one day and you'll see how everyday we make what may seem uncomfortable well, comfortable.

How Comfortable Are You? Continue Reading in our Forum...

Hate Is Hate

2009-07-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

July 8, 2009 - With the celebration of our country's Independence Day just a few days ago, we thought we would bring light once more to a growing problem in America; hate and the effect that it has upon an individual's peace, freedom, liberty and independence from public persecution.

The Congress of the United States is proposing a Hate Crimes Bill which we support 100%. It is time to atone for the sins of the past and the sons of Hate must realize that just as the Nazi’s used flags and hate speech to persecute Jews, Homosexuals and people with mental illness; it would be wrong for any state with a large German population to incorporate the Nazi flag into a state flag in this country. There are those who suggest that the stars and bars of the rebel confederate states are a symbol of American heritage; but there is no heritage seen by the sons and daughters of slaves who were rounded up, hung, worked and sexually used. We have come a long way to allow a black man to occupy the White House which blacks built. We believe that speech transcends refusing to allow a child of God, who by nature is gay, to not speak his truth as to his creation. We believe that right-wing radio is at times not much different than the propaganda radio of Nazi Germany or the lies spread about Southern Heritage.

This continuum of hate transcends to the pulpits who host the most segregated hour of air time on Sunday mornings pitting one religion against another, single parents against two-parented families and non-believers against believers. Such is the elitism of a church that frightens children into believing that they will be sent to Hell and burned forever if they refuse to accept the dogma found on our public airwaves. Hate speech as well as pornography belongs on cable, not on the people’s FCC controlled airwaves. One cannot be sent to Hell without certification that Hell exists. A lie is a lie, and as the 19th Century writer Thomas Carlyle said, “Nature admits no lie.”

Some time ago we proposed a similar course of action to stop all hate speech originating from such organizations as the Aryan Nation, KKK, and White Citizens Council etc...

In September 2000, the Neo-Nazi Hate Group, Aryan Nation of Hayden Lake, ID was forced to pay damages of $6.3 million to a mother and young son who were attacked by members of the hate group. Lacking the liquidity, the Aryan Nation was forced to hand over all of its property, both physical and intellectual. This included many writings and publications. The plaintiffs gained exclusive rights to the group's hate literature and memorabilia, ending their publishing and sale.

The sons and daughters of slaves should collectively sue for ownership of the Confederate flag, thereby preventing the use or sale of its image without their explicit permission. Ownership of the flag is clear and it should be argued that, being the property of the Confederate States of America who sanctioned the systematic rape and lynching of thousands of black folk in the South and cost the United States more blood than any war in its history; ultimately assassinating the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Blacks should be able to take control of all the properties and "war relics" of the Confederacy and legislation such as the proposed hate crimes bill should be accepted with open arms to prevent such actions from ever happening again.

G. Martin Freeman, Presiding Chaplain

Universal Life Church Monastery

Summer Solstice

2009-06-22T12:19:00.001-07:00

June 21, 2009 - This year Summer Solstice brought together more than 35,000 Pagans, partiers, tourists and curious event goers to one of Earth’s most prehistoric monuments for the annual Summer Solstice; a mid point of summer and the longest day of the year. The crowd of people were met by the Sun’s rays at approximately 4:58 a.m. BST. Crowds of people gathered together the previous afternoon for dance, music, alcohol and celebration. For many, the Solstice provides an opportunity to dress in traditional Druid garments and to network with like-minded history buffs and authorities of faith.

Stonehenge, which remains a mystery to many scholars who ponder its history and purpose, is located 80 miles south of the city of London. Many believe Stonehenge to be a part of an ancient astronomical calendar, while others have introduced evidence that the pilgrims believed it to have healing powers. Regardless of its purpose then, Stonehenge remains one of the most visited prehistoric monuments in the world with an average of 750,000 visitors to Salisbury, England each year to revel in its magnificence. One visitor remarked,

"This place actually gives people so much energy and thoughts, things that we kind of neglect in the daily lives and wish for, we can come here and make them come true."

The annual celebration has only been open to the public since 2000. English Heritage, the body in charge of the ancient site, had closed the grounds in 1985 due to clashes and violence between celebrants and local police. The grounds were re-opened to the public for Solstice Celebration in 2000. Although this past celebration had about 30 arrests, related to alcohol, drug and public-order offenses; the overall mood was very peaceful and calm. Many celebrants staying up all night with bonfires and hula-hoops to keep them awake for the Solstice sunrise. Peter Carson of English Heritage reflected,

"There has been a great atmosphere and where else would you want to be on midsummer's day?"

Sources:

The Associated Press

Mirror News UK

God's Message, Speak Truth to Power

2009-06-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

Dear President Barack Obama,

As a young man I recall the transitions and issues of twelve presidents, the issues that confronted them and the strategies they used to overcome those problems with leadership. If I may, I offer the wisdom of those decades. You were confronted perhaps more than any president, save Lincoln, Washington and Roosevelt, with a perplexity of problems. You have raised the hopes and ambitions of America in desperate need of guidance and leadership.

Your friends are questioning the truth of your words; even the loyal opposition has raised the same issue, Gays in the military and your support or rejection of DOMA and DADT. You are in a quandary. As a young man, I suspect that you do have the audacity to realize your own problems. I offer you a simple solution; ask Dick Cheney and General Colin Powell to head up a commission to implement equality for Gays in the military. Thus, allowing anyone to state a simple fact that they are created by their creator the way that God planned it. Mr. Cheney’s daughter is Gay because her God planned it that way. You are half black and half white because your God planned it that way. God and Nature control sexual orientation and race. It is time that you speak truth to the wonderment of God’s creation; that we are all children of the same universe.

Respectfully,

G. Martin Freeman, Presiding Chaplain

Universal Life Church Monastery

"Think Dumbledore Meets Chong"

2009-06-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

A controversial St. Petersburg city ordinance which requires all "phrenologists, astrologers, palm-readers, soothsayers, fortune-tellers, character readers, spirit mediums, absent treatment healers, or any occupation of similar nature" to be fingerprinted, pay a $44 dollar fee to undergo a background check in order to operate and obtain a business permit.

The Astrology Association of St. Petersburg's President, Romi Sink has stated she is, "offended" by the ordinance and that it "singles out" people in her field.

"The way it is written makes us feel like gypsy, fortune-telling con people that the community has agreed to grudgingly accept," says Romi Sink, further stating that, "We are honest people who contribute to society. I feel like we've gone back 200 years to witch-hunting. And society has come too far for that."

There is one loophole however to this ordinance, "ministers of any faith" are exempt from the background screening. This includes any secular clergy, including ministers ordained online from the Universal Life Church. One such individual in St. Petersburg has become an ordained minister; Charles Eminizer, age 68 who lives his life as a Psychic Entertainer by the name Dr. Shane. He has expressed concern over the discriminatory ordinance stating,

"Who are these people who are fortune-tellers? They're people trying to make a living the best way they can," he says. "This is just another way to hold poor people down."

For fifty years, the St. Petersburg city ordinance has been preserved until its most recent revision by the city council this June. The council met to remove a provision which required fortune-tellers and the like to provide five references of "good moral character."

Romi Sink of the St. Petersburg Astrology Association views the ordinance in the light of discrimination, stating that "The way it is written, someone practicing astrology is guilty until proven innocent by a background check. Someone who blatantly commits a crime is innocent until proven guilty" adding that,

"They [the city council] are singling us out and putting hoops in the way of people who just want to help other people."

Source: The St. Petersburg Times

Pop-Up Wedding Chapel

2009-06-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

"It's Vegas -- the New York way."

It is a pop-up wedding shop hosted by 303Grand; a unique Brooklyn, New York retail space that caters to artists and organizations wishing to create a pop-up store or experience with "minimal time or budget commitment."

The retail property 303Grand is operated by Street Attack, a digital marketing agency which is proud to announce the June Wedding Series located at the 303Grand retail property.

A similar pop-up shop, Wedding Chapel is being funded by bookings, donations and sponsors who must raise $3000.00 dollars by July 1st to guarantee a successful venture. Each of these month long events will be back to back, from June through July; given Wedding Chapel reaches their fundraiser goal.

The 303Grand and Wedding Chapel will provide a live internet stream from the event, Universal Life Church wedding officiants, seating for up to 20 people, staff photographer, karaoke and even a rent-a-bride or groom!

In partnership with Martha Stewart Weddings and The Wedding Library, 303Grand has already begun their part of the wedding series. They are hosting wedding themed events such as; a wedding photography exhibit sponsored by The Wedding Library, as well as "The Look"; which is a showcase and retail pop-up shop featuring custom wedding accessories, dresses, lingerie, free manicures and make-up trials in addition to special Martha Stewart Weddings.

If you too are looking to conduct an affordable wedding ceremony, we too offer many recession-proof services for your family, friends and loved ones.

Please take advantage of the following:

Free Minister Ordination
ULC Guide to Performing a Wedding
ULC Certificate of Marriage
Baker's Wedding Hand Book

Be sure to share your wedding story with us by submitting photos and video footage!

Sources:

- www.psfk.com
- www.kickstarter.com
- www.theweddinglibrary.com
- www.303grandnyc.com
- www.gopublicprojects.com

Couple Ordered by Police to End Home Bible Study

2009-06-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

In San Diego, California, a couple that hosted weekly bible study sessions was notified by their local authorities that they would need to obtain proper land use permits prior to continuing their group worship. With no prior notice, the couple, David and Mary Jones, faced a series of complicated applications and filing fees.

David Jones and his wife Mary could be fined $100 to $1,000 if they don't comply with county codes that prohibit holding religious assemblies without a major-use permit.

(AP)

The Jones' held their weekly gatherings for about five years and drew anywhere from 5 to 27 fellow worshipers. A complaint filed by a neighbor informed authorities that the Jones’ weekly guests were causing traffic and parking problems.

Eventually public pressure forced authorities to let the matter slide.

San Diego County officials informed the world that they'd backed down from requiring the Joneses to obtain a permit.

(TH)

- Associated Press
- Townhall.com

Excerpt: 'Weddings of the Times: A Parody'

2009-06-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

by Dan Klein, Robert Baedeker, John Reichmuth and James Reichmuth

Jane Resnick and Paul Merrill were married yesterday at the Los Palos Community Center. A friend of the couple's, Universal Life Church Minister Tim Hoddle, performed the civil ceremony.

Ms. Resnick, 28, is the founder and proprietor of The Bead 'n' Seed store in Ukiah, CA. The store operates using a unique model of "community commerce," whereby shoppers can milk goats or provide child care in exchange for beads or seeds.

The bride's parents are Dr. and Mrs. John Resnick of Long Island. Dr. Resnick is chief of Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The bridegroom, 39, is also a "doctor": "Dr. Stoopid," a noted medical marijuana advocate who passes out joints from a unicycle.

- NPR