|
The Universal Life Church (ULC) is a church that offers anyone ordination as a ULC minister free of charge. Its critics have referred to it derisively as an ordination mill.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=At Mail-Order Church, a Divinity Degree Costs $20 )〕 The organization states that anyone can become a minister without having to go through the pre-ordination process required by other religious faiths. The ULC has no traditional doctrine, believing as an organization merely in doing "that which is right". The Universal Life Church believes that it is every person’s responsibility to act holistically, to do nothing to infringe on the rights of others, and to uphold religious diversity and freedom. Additionally, everyone must be able to practice their spiritual and religious beliefs without interference or threat from any government, religious, or societal force. The church primarily offers ordinations to clergy who marry couples, who are more free to tailor their wedding to the couple than churches with formal weddings.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Couples Personalizing Role of Religion in Wedding Ceremonies )〕 The ULC's stated beliefs are as follows:
==History== Founded under the name "Life Church" in 1959 by the Reverend Kirby J. Hensley. He 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, according to his own statements, Hensley concluded that the proper religion may differ for each person, and everyone is entitled to choose his or her own religion. No one should be criticized or condemned for wanting to practice the belief of his or her choice. Hensley incorporated in California on May 2, 1962 as Universal Life Church with Co-Founder and (then) Vice President Lewis Ashmore.〔 Hensley served as the minister of the congregation and President of the Board of Directors until his death in 1999. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Universal Life Church」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|