I filled out the information that was needed and was directed to the page where it said "Reverend", but was that really all that was needed? I plan on ordering my Ordination Credential because my printer decided it didn't want to print. If I performed a marriage ceremony is it really legal? I've looked all over the site to see if there was more that was needed to fill out but I can't find anything. I want to make sure that I have done everything because I would hate to upset the people I may marry.

Another reason I'm asking is because I just saw that I could get a certificate and be a Jedi Knight.

Thank you
Nicole

Hello Nicole

Allow me to say Congratulations And Welcome to the Universal Life Church Monastery

Nicole, since you did not mention your location, I cannot simply say Yes or No to your question. So, allow me to quickly explain, as for being Ordained by the Universal Life Church, this means that you have been Ordained as a Reverend. To preach, minister and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ or whatever it is which you believe in.

Also, for those residing in The United States, this would include the priviledge to Baptize others or Officiate over funerals and yes, even Solemnizing marriages.

Although as for performing marriages: This is restricted to mean within the USA. So then if you are residing in the USA I would say yes, you are legal to perform valid wedding ceremonies.

However this is only in The United States of America. AND also that is with the exception of New York State, where it is not currently legal for a minister ordained through the ULC to do so.

As for performing marriages in Canada, some Provinces say yes and some say no.

Hopefully, I've helped to answer your question. Should you have any others, please feel free to just ask.

Respectfully

Reverend Jack

I don't want to seem dumb, but I'm really trying to make sure I'm following the law. According to the 'legal' page, in North Carolina, marriages performed by folks ordained through the ULC are suspect. Is this still true? I read the case, and it is about 30 years old, so I wasn't sure if things have changed since then. I know that there are several people in my social group who have ordinations through ULC, and have performed weddings, but I really want to make absolutely sure about it before I do more than the one I've already performed... and so that I can let those wonderful folks know if it was not legal! I thought it was at the time. Now, I'm just confused! When I performed that one, I DID ask the register of deeds (I believe it was) if ULC was accepted, and she said that 'as long as you're ordained within your faith, you can do it, as far as I know'.

Any help would be appreciated. I've been asked to officiate at another ceremony, and a friend of mine wishes to get ordained so that he might perform my wedding ceremony in two months. So this is vital information for me to have! Please forgive me if I seem stupid for asking... I just really want to be sure! LOL

Reverend Donya Beasley
Lincolnton, NC

I live in Texas right now. We plan on moving to either Florida or back to our home state of Louisiana in a few years when my husband gets out of the military. Thank you so much for answering my question Reverend Jack. Is there a guide that I can buy that can teach me how to conduct a wedding. I saw that there were a lot of different books that can be purchased but which is the best for Christian and for Gay weddings?

Thanks again
Nicole

I thought considering your question and the Areas, you mentioned, I would remind you that
Massachusetts is currently the ONLY State in the USA, where S a m e S e x Marriage IS Legal.

Greetings to you my sister,

There are many excellent wedding resources, both in book form and on the web that you can use to construct a wedding ceremony that the couple and guests will find meaningful and uplifting. Three book resources that I use are:

A Marriage Manual: by Perry H. Biddle, published by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

(This book btw is filled not only with different wedding services from many different denominations, but with many other helpful hints and ideas for making a truly special and meaningful ceremony.)

Christian Weddings - Resources to Make Your Ceremony Unique: by Andy Langford, published by Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN.

A Contemporary Handbook for Weddings, Funerals and Other Occasions: edited by Aubrey Malphurs and Keith Willhite, published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI.

The only thing I would point out is that all three of these books are from a Christian perspective. Ceremonies in them though could be modified for weddings outside of the Christian faith, and of course for Gay ceremonies.

In Christ's service,
Padre

In BC Canada you must be registered with the department of vital statistics. However under the terms of the Marriage Act, the minister has to be nominated by his church. You will not be able to just show up with your credentials and letter of good standing and be registered.
Rev William Webb