I was cleaning out my file cabinet recently and found an interesting certificate there that I had forgotten about. The certificate was a gift from my Native American teacher, awarding me ministerial credentials from the Universal Life Church.

     What is the Universal Life Church? It was founded in 1962 by a Baptist minister, Kirby J. Hensley, in 1962. Basically it is a "mail-order" company that offers legal ordination for free. (I put the Wikipedia article about the church in a link below, so you can read about its history.) With your U.L.C. credentials you can perform ministerial functions, such as officiating at marriages, in many U.S. States. The U.L.C. has a web store with ministerial paraphernalia you can purchase. It also has "seminary" courses for certification in various subjects, such as "Doctor of Spiritual Awareness." Hmm. Maybe I'll pursue getting that one.  

     I wasn't sure if I was still an active minister in the U.L.C. church after so many years. When I found the website of the original U.L.C. church, based in Modesto, California, I contacted them. They told me, yes, my certificate was good for my entire life. So, if any of you are in need of ministerial services, look me up. I'll buy a clerical collar from the U.L.C. website store and be ready to preside at your wedding. Be advised, my fees will go up once I get my Doctorate of Spiritual Awareness.

     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Life_Church

     The original U.L.C.'s website: https://ulc.net/

     Postscript: Why isn't Universal Life Church's website "ulc.com"? Looks like a mortage company nicked it. https://www.ulc.com/