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Romantic Adventure

Saturday, 23 March 2019

Become An Ordained Minister For Wedding

By Martha Murphy


Whether officiating a civil union, commitment ceremony, wedding or funeral, most couples prefer to obtain a professional minister, priest or rabbi. There are also a number of inter-faith officiants whom mostly officiate at inter-faith or secular ceremonies. Most often, those providing these services have specifically become an ordained minister for wedding, funerals, memorials and to work as spiritual counselors.

While there are individuals who go to college, rabbinical school or seminary to become ministers, pastors, priests and rabbis, there are other ways to become ordained. One of which, is the Universal Life Church, often better known as the ULC. Unlike a number of other organizations, the ULC provides ordination to people of all beliefs and backgrounds regardless of economic status and other factors. For, the church believes that all people are children of the universe.

The ULC is one of the only organizations to provide ordination to individuals without requiring that the individual take courses or pass a test. Whereas, students at seminaries and rabbinical schools must often take a number courses and pass several tests before becoming ordained. In addition, unlike the high cost of these institutions, the ULC is free to join.

ULC ministers are ordained for life as ordinations do not expire and are accepted all across the United States. As such, these individuals can perform baptisms, funerals, blessings, weddings and can start a brick and mortar or online church if so desired. If doing so, it is important to note that these institutions would be tax-exempt under current law, as such all offerings and monetary funding must go back into the church.

When performing ceremonies, especially weddings, there is often a need for proof of registration and certification as an ordained minister. While an individual can print out an unverified copy of ordination, ordering a professional certificate along with everything needed to officiate a wedding is often advised. For, it is important that all ULC ministers present a professional manner when officiating at different types of events.

The process of ordination is simple when it comes to becoming ordained online through ULC. For, since ULC and similar organizations are seen as not-for-profit organizations by the government, ordinations can be appointed in accordance with the doctrine of the church in which as far as ULC goes is that all are children of the universe. As such, anyone can go online, fill out a form and become an ordained minister whom believes this to be true.

Officiating at a wedding can often be one of the most memorable experiences of a ULC minister. For, doing so can be a rewarding and personal experience. Whereas, the ability to join two people in love into one loving and lasting partnership is not something everyone has the capability or desire to do.

In all locations, individuals will most likely be asked to show ministerial credentials prior to performing a wedding. While some states may not require this step, it is up to the minister to assure that all documents, such as a marriage license, green card if applicable and others are available when this is the case. If there is any confusion in this regard, the ULC is available to assist in this regard. In addition, the ULC has created a list of state marriage laws to help ministers determine which documents are required to perform as an officiant in each state.




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