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Kirby Hensley's creation of the Universal Life Church would appear to be a classic example of the psychopathological model of cult formation (Bainbridge and Stark, "Cult Formation"). The origin of Hensley's religious ideas stem from his disillusionment with his Pentecostal upbringing. Having "invented" the basic ideas of the Universal Life Church, Hensley gained followers and thus appears to persuade himself of their validity. (To learn out more about Cult Formation, click here).
In 1955, disappointed with the Pentecostal church, Reverend Kirby J.Hensley divorced his wife and decided to venture on his own to find his religion. He inspected many religions, judging what each had to offer spiritually. After 5 years of studying, Hensley concluded that the proper religion may differ for each man, 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 wanted to create a church where all views could be practiced freely, where people could "come together and work for the good of all people." In 1962, Hensley, with the help of his new wife, Lida, found himself in Modesto, CA founding the Universal Life Church (ULC .zip file).
Hensley served as the minister of the congregation while Lida filled
the role of Secretary. According to Hensley, the Modesto congregation
grew rapidly over the years (ULC .zip file). The ULC spread throughout
the west coast, and today claims to have congregations located all over
the United States and parts of Canada. The ULC received much criticism
citing that a church that accepts all religions holds no views of its own
and is not a true church. Another source of criticism centered around the issue of ordainment.
The ULC will, without cost, officially ordain any living being who so
wishes. In 1985, the ULC began a series of court battles against the IRS
to prove its legitimacy as a church (thus qualifying for tax-exempt status).
The courts ruled that the ULC is indeed a church, qualified for tax-exempt
status (Melton 559).
Click Here to download the
complete ULC text including its history and beliefs written by Hensley
(105 KB .zip file)
"We believe only in that which is right, and everyone has the right to determine what is right for themselves." ~ULC
The ULC lists its focus as:
The ultimate tenet of the ULC is religious freedom. The ULC accepts all religious views as long as man can "work for the good of all people." The ULC offers, free of charge, to ordain anyone who wishes to spread the word of God to others. What usually happens is that a person will become ordained by the ULC and form his/her own congregation that holds its own unique beliefs and practices. The ULC as a religion holds no view except as mentioned above, but each congregation has "real" religious beliefs. The ultimate goal of the ULC is a world of religious freedom and tolerance.
While each ULC congregation is free to pursue its own religious path, Hensley does have an "eclectic theology" of his own. Melton lists Hensley's theology as the belief that:
While individual congragations hold certain beliefs, the ULC as a religion has no central tenets other than the belief in freedom to choose one's religion. As evidenced by its home page, the focus of the ULC is not on beliefs of its members, but on monetary advancement and the availability and usefulness of becoming a tax-exempt ordained minister. The ULC home page lists complete instructions on forming one's own congregation and applying to the IRS for tax-exemption.
At least one third of the ULC home page lists materials and services available to the public for a "free-will donation." Among the many things offered are a press pass, a vehicle pass for preferred parking, marriage licenses for ceremonies conducted by ULC ministers, and a number of "educational" degrees. The fees for these degrees range from $20-$295, depending on the prestige of the title. The ULC also offers many books for a "free-will donation" (http://ulc.org/ulc/matter.html).
Nothing about the ULC helps define itself as a credible, functioning religious organization. In fact, The Buffer Zone, a "high quality... outstanding reference" book that the ULC offers, is no more than a photo album with add-in pages consisting of photo-copied newspaper clippings (information given by phone receptionist at ULC headquarters). It is put together by the self-proclaimed Universal Press. There is little evidence that the ULC is interested in any more than playing games with the IRS. The ULC clearly pushes to the edge what it is that constitutes a religious organization.
Over the years, the media and many religious organizations have criticized the ULC concerning two major areas of the group's practices: the free ordaining of ministers and the group's lack of central belief (Melton 559).
Media portrayal and public misconception, as with many new religious movements, has lead to an uproar of skepticism and criticism of the ULC. In a religion column in The Patriot Ledger Quincy, Steve Gushee writes:
Although the ULC specifically asks that people with no intention of teaching the word of God not become ordained, ULC is continually ridiculed for the service it offers. Background research by Tennessee Attorney General John Knox Walkup discovered that, because of the absense of background checks, deathrow inmates, "dogs, fictitious individuals and dead people have been ordained "(Ferrar, "1,000 Ministers").
Since its inception, the ULC has been in and out of the courtroom. Most charges deal with the credibility of the ULC as a true religious organization and validity of tax exemptions, while others are personal suits filed by couples wondering if their wedding ceremony performed by a ULC minister was in fact legal (Ferrar, "Burchett seeks").
Welcome to the Universal Life
Church
The official site of the ULC based in Modesto, CA, this page is the
place to go for ULC information straight from the source. An entire 128
page statement of history and beliefs of the group is available in a convenient
.zip format. Other features: Subscribe to the ULC mailing list, become
ordained online, or order ULC texts and materials.
http://ulc.org/ulc/index.html
Yahoo Listing of ULC Home Pages
Complete catergory listing of Web Sites having anything to do with the Universal Life Church.
Many of the Sites listed are valuable and included on this page, but others are merely
mentionings of the ULC.
http://www.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Religion/Faiths_and_Practices/Universal_Life_Church_ULC/
Universal Life
Church Ministries
Branch of the ULC existing totally online. Contains ULC news and events,
another mailing list, and links to other ULC pages and religious resources
on the net. Also contains a link to very helpful FAQ's concerning the ULC.
http://www.ULConNET.org
Robyn A. Harton-Shining Light
of the Universe-Home Page
Offering Reiki, general counseling, information on crystal use, spiritual
advising, and mystick ceremony.
http://home.inreach.com/robyna/
The Dream Lodge Medicine
Society
Congregation of the Universal Life Church, Lakeland, FL; featuring
psychic readings and focusing on Native American traditions.
http://home.earthlink.net/~sbear1/
East Portland Universal Life Church
Oregon ULC congregation believing in two spirits, good and bad; offering
counseling in person, by e-mail, or via telephone.
http://www.cjm.com/church/
Steps of Zion Universal Life
Church
Congregation No. 59620, implementing symbolism and mythology. Taking
a deep probe into all religions and questioning the essence of being.
http://trojan.neta.com/~kottinge
Universal Life Church #60017
Dedicated to the preservation of the family and the holy matrimony.
http://home.cwnet.com/ulc60017/
Contact Information
Created by Stephanie M. Krebs
For Soc 257: New Religious Movements
Fall Term, 1997.
University of Virginia
Last modified: 07/16/01
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