The Universal Book

We are now a Universal church. What do we mean when we say we are a Universal Church? We have churches all around the world. The sun never sets on the Universal Life Church. This is why we call it a Universal Church. We have, within this church, a very liberal type of religion, but, we also have conservative types of people. I have never met a person that disagrees with our doctrine. We feel that our doctrine is universal. I believe that every living person is a part of the Universal Life. When they become conscious that they are part of Universal Life, they will look for people like minded. We are sure that the Universal Life Church is the one church that satisfies the most of people. We are now looking and studying to find a way that all people can come together and work for the good of all people.

--REV. KIRBY J. HENSLEY

INTRODUCTION

The most important asset of any church is itself, that is, its people or members, individually as well as collectively. The Universal Life Church agrees with the advice given by Robert Zimmerman, better known to his large circle of friends as Bob Dylan, "Don't follow leaders...' Because letting George do it always ends with George in control of everybody's life and fortune.

Each of us, as ministers, should shine our own light and do our part to dispel the vast ocean of ignorance which sometimes seems to engulf us. Each bird must fly on its own wing, at the same time we should emulate the peaceful bull of the modern fable which avoided the sword, and death itself, by the mere act of not charging the matador's cape. The meek may inherit the earth only if we realize that it is force, not power, which comes out of the barrel of a gun. The power has always been with the individual. The individual has relinquished it and the individual must get t back, lest a government of the people, for the people, and by the people shall perish from the face of the earth. The Universal Life Church proposes that America, the birthplace (in 1776) of a little bit of liberty is an appropriate place for the fires of freedom to be rekindled. It is time for the Phoenix to be born again.

The Universal Life Church is representative of a revolution in values which promises to change the world of today into the world of tomorrow. The Universal Life Church champions this revolution as a sensible return to an almost forgotten ideology: The acceptance of human beings, the highest form of life on earth, just as they are now, in their process of cosmic becoming. The evolution of the child of today into the adult of tomorrow is the continuous revolution of the young against the hypocritical attitudes which they find upon their arrival. It is the end and the beginning of the never ending cycle of eternal life and death. If there is any one class which is truly oppressed, it is the young, the class which will,sooner or later,replace the out going tide ofhumanity. Young people everywhere are persecuted and harassed under the pretext that their elders invariably know better, in spite of the obvious fact that history proves the contrary: The age of Peace and Prosperity is yet to arrive, it will arrive as quickly as we have enough faith in liberty. If we believe in our own liberty sufficiently to let everybody else enjoy theirs, we can achieve peace beyond all our expectations and prosperity must follow, just as the day follows the sun. The industrial revolution which has so transformed our way of life, providing better tools or more productivity, has only just begun. Armed with the inventiveness of liberty, the human race will always transcend itself. We always rise above yesterday's performance,if we only wish to do so. The Universal Life Church champions above all else Liberty of Thought, the eternal panacea, the mother of all invention and the father of progress, male and female in equal parts, Yin and Yang, with neither one supreme over the other -- Peace and Prosperity and Good Will to All. There can be only one means to achieve the ofty pinnacle of cosmic becoming to which we refer; the prime commandment: To Do Right. The essence and spirit of the Golden Rule: To live honestly, to hurt no one, to give every one their due. The total sum of the science of justice.There is no religion higher than this eternal truth.

-- Bill Torres

ABOUT THE PRESIDENT

I have just passed 81 years old. I have written a lot of things in my life. I have written about theUniversal Life Church for the past 35 years. I am the founder and President of the Universal Life Church.

Since we are getting millions and millions of people who are getting Minister Credentials from the church, I think you should know something about the leader of this large church. My wife Lida and I have both dedicated our lives for this church. We were both born in the western part of North Carolina. We have been married 40 years, which is the best 40 years of my life. My wife Lida is the only woman I ever truly loved. We have 3 children. Two boys and a girl. They are wonderful children.

My wife Lida has worked for the church from the beginning, and is still Secretary.

Now, a few things about myself. I have been a preacher off and on almost all my life. For the last 50 years I have studied harder to learn theBible. Iwon't take time to telI you alI my past Iif but, I was married before and had two wonderful girls of my previous marriage. I was brought up in the Baptist church as a child. I was Baptized at about 12 years old. I didn't stay there very long. I was in and out of church for a number of years. I joined the C.C. Camp in the 1930's. I was still preaching and wanting to learn more. I bought a 15 cent dictionary once and carried it 300 miles. I thought it was a bible. I couldn't read or write at the time. A fellow laughed at me and told me "You bought a dictionary, not a bible." I got into a Pentecostal type of church, emotionally. I got married the first time and came to Oklahoma for awhile, then came to California. I left the Pentecostal and went out on my own. I then got a divorce.

I started studying all kinds of religions and ideals. For the past 40 years, if I heard of any kind religion, I would look into it and find out what it had to offer. I finally landed in Modesto betterthan 35 years ago. I started the Universal Life Church. Now, I am in a change of life, completely. To me, the Bible now, is something I refer back to. No part of it is in front of me, its all behind me. I use it alot because I have to know it to talk ith people. Most people I talk with have some knowledge and beliefs within the Bibie. I do not condemn all of it, but, it isn't for the man of today. It will hold you back.

-- Rev. Kirby J. Hensley, D.D.

PREFACE

Traditionally, what do we expect from our church? We expect unity, a social network, a teacher of moral values, a forum for the exchange of ideas, a champion for the needy and down-trodden, a safe haven for all who enter, and (we hope) the truth. My church, the Universal Life Church, is all that, and more!

On our letterhead you will find the phrase, "We Are One'. We are one. We are one people united in our quest for religious freedom. We are united in our fierce defense of the First Amendment that we, too, are entitled to worship our God in our own way. The most important people in my life are involved with this church. My father preaches from the time he gets up 'til the time he goes to bed. He alone, has taught me courage, the power of confrontation, and the gift of "thinking'. My mother has taught me that life is seldom easy. My husband John has taught me love and loyalty. My church family is closer to me than my extended family. For these are the people with whom I am most comfortable and with whom I have the most in common.

The one doctrine, "to do that which is right", will guide you through any, or all decisions in your ife. You must decide what is right for you and not condemn others if their 'right' is different tha yours. You will never go to another church that will exchange ideas and beliefs so varied that you'll leave with your head spinning! I guarantee it. At our Annual Conven- tions, one speaker may talk on devil worship, one on the evil of money, one of the love of God, and, one on our animal nature, all within one service. Every congregation has a free flow of ideas that we all respect.

There is an old story about the hospital being a place for sick people, a school a place for the uneducated. Well, our church opens wide its arms to encompass all who might enter. We are equal. There are no big 'I's' and little "you's". We can all enter and are alI respected.

For the past 30 years, we have fought for truth. We have fought long and hard. And, we will continue to fight, for truth will bring freedom! In this book you will learn about this very traditional church. It is alive! It is growing! Is is changing the world as we know it! Welcome to our family!

-- Manzanita Hensley Lowarch

UNIVERSAL ORDER

by Kirby J. Hensley, D. D.

If you are a Bible Student you will understand what I am about to say. We have had three world orders: first from Adam to the Flood was about 2,000 years, then there started a second new order and it lasted about 2,000 years. Next came Jesus and he started yet another world order and it lasted about 2,000 years until now 1994. Which brings us to the fourth order . . .

The Universal Order. No order has worked until now. All three world orders before had never worked. Why? Because they looked outside of themselves for direction on which way to go, what to do, why, etc . . . they were looking for some super natural power. The new Universal Order teaches men & women to look within themselves. Because it is within men & women lies the answer.

What does the bible say about the new world order? We find in the book of Colossians, Chapter 1, Verse 16, from the Universal translation: for by man all things were created, that are in heavenly places, or earthly places, visible or invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or powers, all this were created by man and for man, and without man there was nothing created. So we see from this verse of scripture that man is the creator, and not some power outside of man.

We find another scripture, found in Romans, Chapter 11, Verse 34: for who hath known the mind of man. Only man knows the mind of man. Here we find Paul's saying. Yes, man had to create a power . . . everything was his and now it's being restored to him, all things. We find here that all things come by man, for man, and is now being returned back to man. What are we going to do with this Universal Order? Are we going to make it work . . . ? Yes!

Here is my prediction why the church and state is in war. It looks like at this present time that the church wants to take over the government. There are alot of people who are caught up in the spirit of war who are killing. We've seen this the last couple of years. Different people have been killing, saying it is gods will for them to kill and that they are doing gods service by killing.

We are going to see more between the government and the church within the next few years. I am telling you that the majority of the people on this planet will turn against the church and stateand they will set up and bring into being the new Universal Order which according to the dictionary states: a sequence, arrangement; the way one thing follows another; the condition in which everything is controlled as it should be; is in its right place, performing its correct functi; peaceful regularity of public life.

We see today many things being changed out of this right order and this is one of the things that is destroying the three orders that were. Men and women have began to rise up, saying we are going to find a way to bring about a peaceful solution to this planet. As I write this message, right now today, President Clinton and Russia's Boris Yeltsin are speaking and it is the same old rigmarole that we heard before.

I would like to quote one more verse of scripture in closing this message. The writer of the Revelation, the last chapter, last few verses, makes this statement to the churches: "Go out and invite everyone to come and join this freedom . . . freely". He says to include everyone to take this freedom, the liar, the adulterer, the whoremonger, the murder, etc. A new Universal Order will include all races. The good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful, including all without prejudice.rom time to time we will be writing in the Universal Newspaper constantly about the Universal Order. If you have any thoughts or feelings about the Universal Order, write to me and I will consider printing it into the paper. Universal Life Church Headquarters, 601 3rd Street, Modesto, CA, 95351.

WORLD HEADQUARTERS

The Universal Life Church World Headquarters is in Stanislaus County, in the City of Modesto.

Modesto has a population of about 200,000 and growing. Modesto is located 75 miles South of Sacramento. Modesto is an agricultural city. Gallo Winery, the largest winery in the world, is located here in Modesto. The Universal Life Church has a big church building located on the comer of Third St. and F Street. The office building is just behind the church on Third Street. The church owns the house North and the house West of the church. Headquarters contains its own printshop, in the lower level of the church building. The print shop supplies a darkroom, layout room, two large presses, and several type-setting machines, and the IBM equipment which has greatly enhanced the ability of the church to increase its production.

The office building is very large with a full-time staff of 6 people, who are eager to help you withyour question. The church itself seats about 200 people and holds regular Sunday meetings at IO am. The public is always welcome. We don't have a large crowd all the time, but, we have a meeting.

We let everyone have a chance to speak, if you wish to. Rev. Hensley brings his message and we have, more or less, an open meeting. Our office hours are Monday thru Friday, from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. So if you are going through Modesto or would like to visit with ULC, feel free to stop by and see us.

Modesto has been good to me (Rev. Hensley). I came here in the early 30's, but, didn't stay very long. I came back in the early 40's and started the Church of God at 200 El Paso Street.

Then I left again and returned in 1958. This is when I started the Universal Life Church. We incorporated it in 1959. If you ever thought of coming to Modesto, please do. We would like to invite you. It's a good town, with a great climate!

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH

Since we have become a Universal Church, we believe that the members are the voting body of the church. Since we are spread through-out the world, we only allow the Board of Directors to be the governing body of the church.

The Board of Directors has absolute control of the church. They can remove or replace President or Vice-President by a two-thirds vote, plus one. They can remove or replace any Board member by a single majority.

The Universal Life Church has I I Board members. These Board members meet at least once a year to transact business. Their names and addresses you see above and on the following page. If you wish to contact and one of the Board members, concerning the church, please feel free to do so. They are responsible to you-the people.

In the future some day, we hope to have a world-wide convention. Where we can draw together more people from different countries and nationalities to the Governing Board. We are now a Universal Church. We wish to be more in contact with different people all around the world. We want them to feel free that they have a part in the Universal Church. I would like to say right here, that the church recognizes all people, regardless fo their beliefs, ge, tradition, creed, or nationality. Whether you are Agnostic, fundamentalist, Pentecostal, or New Age type. Or, if you don't believe in anything except, that which is right. If you are a minister in this church, then you have a right to apply to be on the Board of the Governing church.

The church board is elected yearly at the Annual Convention which is usually held in November. At that time, the Board of Directors meets and elects the Board for the following year. The President and Vice- President are also elected yearly. If you want to be on the Board, or have any part in this church, write to us and tell us why you would like to be on the Board or why you would like a part in this church. Tell us what you have to offer the people of the Universal church.

The Board of Directors is composed of members of long standing and service to the church. These members are those dedicated to the continuance and welfare of the International Church and serve in their capacities without any renumeration whatsoever. This Board of Directors exists for the sole purpose of serving the individual members of the Universal Life Church.

I would like to tell you what I mean when I say Universal Church. When we first started the Universal Life Church, some 35 years ago, we started into the United States. Since our growth over time we have grown to exist and have people from many different countries around the world. We do accept people from all walks of life and from all religions. Conservative and liberals. You can belong to another church and also belong to the Universal Life Church - as long as you do that which is right and that it doesn't effect the rights of others. This is why we are a Universal Life Church.

THE FIRST AMENDMENT -- CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF: OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, OR OF THE PRESS; OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE, AND TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES.

'If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that NO official, high or pet, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion or other matters of opinion r force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein, If there are ANY circumstances which permit an exception, they do not now occur to us."

United States Supreme Court (1943) West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 US 624.

WHAT IS MEANT BY RELIGIOUS RIGHTS

The Church in each place must be free to define the mission it believes it has received from God. Likewise, individual Christians and other believers must be free to practice their faith in whatever manner they believe necessary, commensurate with their not violating the same freedom of others. In addition, we affirm the understanding of religious freedom embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and other international covenants. While some actions taken in the name of religious rights may be ambiguous and will have to be addressed on a case-by-case basis, we believe that religious rights include at least the following:

Every person has the right to determine his or her own faith and creed according to conscience.

Every person has the right to the privacy of his belief, to express his religious beliefs in worship, teaching, and practice, and to proclaim the implications of his beliefs for relationships in a social or political community.

Every person has the right to associate with others and to organize with them for religious purposes.

Every religious organization, formed or maintained by action in accordance with the rights of individual persons, has the right to determine its policies and practices for the accomplishment of its chosen purposes, which implies the right:

to assemble for unhindered private or public worship,

to formulate its own creed,

to have an adequate ministry,

to determine its conditions of membership,

to give religious instruction to its youth, including preparation for ministry,

to preach its message publicly,

to receive into its membership those who desire to join it,

to carry on social services and to engage in missionary activity both at home and abroad,

to organize local congregations,

to publish and circulate religious literature,

to control the means necessary to its mission and to secure support for its work at home and abroad,

to cooperate and to unite with other believers at home and abroad,

to use the language of the people in worship and in religious instruction,

to determine freely the qualifications for professional leadership of religious communities, freely naming their religious leaders at all levels and designating their work assignments.

(Reprinted with permission from Freedom of Faith)

HOW TO BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER IN THE UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH

The Universal Life Church minister is legally ordained. This means.that he or she is licensed by the State of California to perform all ministerial services, such as baptismals, marriages, funerals, and to conduct church meetings. He/She is entitled to all the privileges and considerations usually granted a minister.

We do not ask that a minister forfeit membership in any other church. We merely allow the minister freedom to practice that which is right. The certificate for ordination is granted for life.

The ordained minister is the single most important unit of the church. Without the minister we would be unable to spread the word of freedom! We exist because of, and for, the minister. We will ordain anyone without question of their faith, for life, and without a fee, however, we do graciously accept any donations.

A minister gets many discounts on transportation of all kinds. Planes, buses, etc. Each minister receives credentials. Furthermore, the church offers its ministers many educational degrees (religious), special titles, and certificates, including marriage and baptism, to aid you in your ministry. There is a large staff at International Headquarters to answer any questions you might have about the church and the Ministry. Have you ever thought of becoming an ordained minister? If you have, now is the time.

Millions of people around the world are becoming ordained ministers. Minister Credentials are good for life and they will open many doors for you. If you want to become an ordained minister, simply state on a piece of paper that you would like to be an ordained minister of the Universal Life church. State your full name and address. Of course, if you are reading this online at our official ULC ordination site, you can simply fill out the ordination form! You will receive a beautiful 51/2 X81/2 Credential. We will do this without charge, however, we do appreciate any offering.

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 601 3rd ST., MODESTO, CA 95351

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Here are some of the things that a minister should know. The Universal Life Church believes that when a man requests to be ordained, that he is already ordained of God, according to the Bible. In St. John 15/-16, it says that God called you and has ordained you.

We, the Universal Life Church believe that scripture to be true. We believe you are an ordained minister. What we do, is stand between you and the Federal Governments and between you and the state, not between you and your God. We meet the requirements of the Federal Governments and the States.

Therefore, we give you a Ministers Credential, making you an ordained minister of the state and government. This gives you all the rights of the Federal Governments and the States.

There are many ceremonies that take place in churches. But, that is all they are, is ceremonies. They have no authority or power with the federal government or the state.

If you have been ordained by the UniversalLife Church and have the Ministers Credentials with the state seal and the President's signature on it, then as far as you and the state is concerned, you are a legal ordained minister.

The minister is by definition a servant. The minister exists to serve himself, his congregation, the church, and his God. He is an agent administrating the duties and functions of his church.

The minister should be compassionate, loving, and trustworthy. The responsibility of church administration rests on his shoulders. The minister must be able to weep with those that weep and rejoice with those rejoicing. He should strive to be an able leader, to promote spiritual growth and happiness within the congregation.

Every minister needs to have some knowledge of the legal rules and principles concerning the relationship of church and state in the United States. This understanding and application of the rules and principles will greatly help to serve, with commendable distinction, the parishioners and community.

Ministers are entitled to many discounts from retail agencies. Among these are discounts on public transportation, i.e., buses, trains, air travel, etc., department store discounts, food discounts, discount rates for many amusement parks, and the list goes on. The minister may obtain discounts on his own. Check around. You might be surprised at what you will find.

When you are a Minister of the Universal Life Church, it is incumbent upon you to perform the Sacerdotal functions of the ministry, i.e., Marry, Bury, Baptize, and hold meetings to satisfy the needs of the congregation (if you have a congregation). If anyone tells you that you do not have to do these functions, you are being deceived - it is mandatory that you participate to receive the privileges under Internal Revenue Code Section 107. Bishop Kirby J. Hensley, President and Founder, of the church states "if you are not dedicated to Freedom of Religion and the tenets and precepts of the church and not willing to actively participate in the Ministry, please do not apply for a Pastorate of a Congregation."

Make sure your book-keeping journals are up to date supporting the quarterly reports to Headquarters, they may be asked for at a later date to substantiate contributions.

Once again, we cannot emphasize enough, how important this is to the welfare of the ministry and our contributers. If there is any doubt whatsoever, please do not hesitate to call Headquarters immediately for guidance. The staff here at Headquarters is ready and willing to help you.

The Universal Life Church believes that a man is already ordained before he even becomes an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.

The ULC believes that he/she is an ordained minister of God, according to the Bible. In St. John 15:16 it says that God called you and has ordained you. The Universal Life Church believes this scripture to be true. The Universal Life Church does not interpret or set in judgement of your beliefs, creed, religion, race, color, or sex. We will ordain anyone upon request. Help the Ministry grow!

Become an ordained minister and ordain others! Help spread the Universal Life!

HOW TO START A CONGREGATION

Now that you are a duly ordained minister and pastor of a congregation of the Universal Life Church, the first thing you must do as a Pastor is obtain a record keeping book and conduct a meeting of the Board of Directors of your local congregation, to discuss the operation of your congregation.

Decide where and when you should hold congregation meetings. These meetings can be held in your home, a rented meeting space, or you may decide to build your own building.

You and the Board of Directors need to decide how often you should hold meetings (weekly or monthly). The Secretary needs to keep accurate records of how many meetings the congregation has and how many people attend the meetings for inclusion on the required monthly congregational reports which must be sent to International Headquarters. The most important aspect of pastoring a congregation are the services and sacraments you provide for the congregation. We do not dictate to the congregation what kind of services to hold. We do suggest that you have literature, i.e., the Bible, Koran, or one of the many different Bibles available. The order of the meeting will be up to you and the congregation Board of Directors.

Some suggestions are that when you do meet, you might like to pray, salute the flag, have music and singing, or read from other sources. At International Headquarters the Pastor usually speaks first followed by an open meeting where others may speak and bring forth their beliefs.

As a Pastor, with your own congregation, there are different sacraments you may perform.

One such sacrament is Baptism. Three types of Baptism you may use are 1) total emersion, 2) the sprinkling method, 3) the laying on of hands. Baptism is mostly identified by water and a ceremony.

Another sacrament is the performance of weddings. We advise, and encourage, you to do weddings. It is a good source of income for the congregation and is something all ministers do. You, and the couple, may write your own ceremony or use one of the two beautiful rites we can send you.

Another popular service is the ordainment of new ministers. If we take the scriptures, using St. John 15:16, you will find that God, the Supreme Intelligence, or whatever name you wish to use, has called the person and ordained him. The ceremony you perform, either by the laying on of hands, or words, is merely confirming what is already done. The Universal Life Church goes between the person and the state and issues a license by the state. The Universal Life Church does not go between the person and his/her God. At your Board of Directors meeting of the congregation, an important aspect you need to discuss is how to finance this congregation. One of the best ways is to promote the suggestions and materials offered by the Universal Life Church. The congregation may use the discount program which earns the congregation 50% of all profit from the materials we offer.

GO FORTH AND SPREAD THE UNIVERSAL LIFE! WE ARE ONE CHURCH!

The ULC has thousands of congregations and all are parts of of the one church, like the hand and eye are parts of the body.

Our congregations are integral - not separable, parts of the Universal Life Church. They are parts in a sense only, for they are the physical manifestations of the church. it is the purpose of the church which sets the limits which our creativity works within. That work is: separating our purpose into functions and determining what the shape and sense of the parts - our congregations - need be. What they need be to fulfill our purpose. And, of course, a church - congregation - is people, not a building. As members of a ULC congregation, you are member of the one church. Remember: You are in the Universal Life Church.

There is one thing that you must always bring before the people, and that is - that no incorporated church can sponsor any kind of legislation or support anyone that is running for a political office of any kind. If you do you are subject to have your tax privileges taken away from you. But, a non-incorporated church can do anything it wants to, as it is regarded the same as an individual. A non-incorporated church can raise money for a candidate, and many churches are doing just that.

The Universal Life Church does not back or condemn anyone in any office. It does not sponsor or condemn the Republicans, the Democrats, the independents, the commmunists or any other party. The Universal Life Church is strictly neutral, it takes no side and only helps those that do right.

If you want to start a congregation, send us the names of 3 people, President, Treasurer, and Secretary-all over the age of 18. Send $35. to Headquarters; 601 Third St. Modesto, CA 95351. We will then send you a congregation agreement for you to fill out. Those 3 people must sign. Mail it back to Headquarters and we will record it in our files the day you receive it. We will send you a congregation # and a beautiful certificate. The date we receive your agreement, we will record it in our records. At that time you are an active congregation.

CONGREGATION RECORD KEEPING

The most important and time consuming aspect of administering a congregation is the maintainance of proper bookkeeping and records. This job usually falls on the shoulders of the Treasurer who is appointed by the Board of Directors of the Congregation. This vital aspect of Church operation is sometimes inadvertently overlooked. The Church has designed a simple effective system of reporting and maintaining appropriate record keeping. When the bookkeeping of the Congregation is handled monthly and not left to accumulate over a period of months, the time necessary to complete this vital function is minimized.

Each time a taxpayer makes a contribution to the Church, make sure he/she receives a receipt signed by a third party in the Congregation. Make sure the receipt has only the information listed on this form, do not add any further information. If there are any questions as to receipts, contact us immediately.

The Minutes of the Boards meeting reflects the Old and New Business discussed by the members for the operation of the Congregation. It also reflects Special Committee Reports on activities of the Congregation and its projected programs. Discussion of Resolutions and their approval for pertinent matters pertaining to financial matters and the recipient of Church funds must be signed by the Treasurer/Secretary.

These Minutes must be kept in the normal business of the Congregation to back up actions taken by its members. These have to be ready at all times, and surrendered upon request of International Headquarters.

ORDINATION CEREMONY

The ordainment of ministers is a very important thing to the Universal Life Church. If we take the scriptures, using St. John 15:16, you will find that God, the Supreme Intelligence, or whatever name you wish to use, has called the person and ordained him. The ceremony you perform, either by the laying on of hands, or words, is merely confirming what is already done. The Universal Life Church goes between the person and his/her God. The Universal Life Church encourages the ordainment of new ministers. This is the essential part of the church's growth. Help spread the Universal Life!

A TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

(From the Alabama Book of Legal Forms)

In this estate these two persons come now to be joined. If any person present can show cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak or else hereafter forever hold his peace.

(Addressing the couple, the one performing ceremony continues):

I solemnly require and charge you both, as you hope for joy and peace in the marriage state, if either of you know any just cause why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, you do now confess it.

It is then your will to proceed?

(The parties must now join right hands):

To the man: Do you, sir, take this woman to be your lawful wife and do you promise before God and these witnesses, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her so long as you both shall live?

The man shall answer, I do.

To the woman: Do you take this man to be your lawful husband; and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses that you will love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto him so long as you both shall live?

The woman shall answer, I do.

(if the parties wish to use the ring, the minister shall instruct the man to place the ring on the third finger of the woman's left hand and hold as he repeats after the minister):

"With this ring I thee wed and with all my worldly goods I thee endow, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." (Or according to the creed of the parties contracting).

Inasmuch as this man and this woman have in the presence of God be joined together to be joined in the lawful bonds of matrimony and thereto have given and pledged their troth each to the other (and if a ring is used: have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring), I now according to the ordinances of God and in the name of the State of 'Alabama, pronounce them husband and wife. "What therefore God hath joined together let not man put asunder." And now may the God of peace prosper and bless you in this new relation, and may the grace of Jesus Christ abound unto you now and always. Amen.

A SUGGESTED ULC CEREMONY

If it were possible to begin this ceremony by gathering together all the wished of happiness for and from all present here, if we could gather together those precious wishes of affection and our very fondest hopes and turn them into music, we would be listening now to a most inspiring anthem, where it would be composed of the most harmonious notes possible to produce.

Even though this is not possible, just speaking of it should assure and that our hearts are attuned to theirs in these moments so meaningful to all of us for "what greater thing is there for two hurnan souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in ail labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness."

Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between the parties. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between two human beings; the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life, it is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention since no earthly happiness exceeds that of a reciprocal satisfaction in the conjugal state.

Marriage should be a life-long consecration to the ideal of loving kindness, backed with the will to make it last.

Marriage is essentially a social practice, entered keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all into through a public act, and reflects the society in which it is found. In our society there are many couples, hundreds of thousands, that want or need, for one reason or another, a renewed marriage license to the minister): For example, it is not uncommon for couples married in the late 1800's and early 1900's to not have a marriage certificate. The couple could obtain the Renewal of Marriage certificate as a lasting reminder for their families of their union.

Many couples of our day and age want to renew their marriage every year or two. These couple believe that marriage is a contractual unit as well as a spiritual union. The certificate would be invaluable to them. Others want to renew their marriage in their church, the Universal Life Church. Do you know where your marriage license is? Is it lost? If so, the Renewal of Marriage certificate provides documentation of the marriage. It can be used in place of the original license.

There are those who are widowed and for some unknown reason wish to renew their marriage beyond the grave. With the ULC Renewal of Marriage certificate they can.

The certificate is not a legal document. It is a reaffirmation of the strong legal and spiritual commitment between husband and wife. it is available at International Heaquarters for a minimum donation of $5.00.

HOW TO CONDUCT A FUNERAL

The choice of funeral ceremonies range from a traditional funeral with embalming and a religious service with the body present to a simple disposition of the body with a memorial service or no service at all.

Many people choose something between direct disposition and a traditional funeral, for example a graveside service with close family present and then maybe a memorial service for the wider circle of family and friends.

Whatever the case, the ceremony provides an opportunity to commemorate the life of the deceased and to express religious or personal beliefs about life and death. Very often religious traditions will dictate the type of ceremony, and it is generally performed by a local minister, priest or rabbi. But there are also many people who want a special ceremony according to their own interests and beliefs.

A common type of service is the memorial service which is usually held after a direct cremation or burial. The service can be in a church, a funeral home, a private home, or any other meeting place. Since the body is not present, the service can be scheduled at any time that is convenient to the survivors. Family and friends might get together for prayers and shared reminiscences about the life of the deseased. Your role as a minister usually consists of holding a short speech and maybe leading the prayers.

For people who share a humanist, non-religious view of life and death the funeral service might consist of music and readings of texts that stress e.g. the ideals of human living and kinship with nature.

To many people the traditional funeral service seems impersonal and even mechanical. That is why it is so important for the ULC minister to show personal involvement and sensitivity when he is called upon.

You should always remember that for those most deeply concerned this is a unique occasion. Talk with the survivors about the service and discuss with them what kind of text they want you to read. The same goes for music. The sad hymns of the traditional church might very well be substituted for more contemporary songs as long as they are in good taste.

A minister fulfills his most urgent call when assisting in a funeral, His people need him to give comfort, hope, and spiritual upliftment in their time of sorrow. He should be there to help as quickly as possible when the need arises. He should obey the wishes of the family as to the arrangements. He may make some thoughtful suggestions that will make the service easier on the bereaved, and more uplifting for all attending.

The minister and funeral director should go over the plans for the service together so that each may fully understand the arrangements. Conducting the service is the minister's responsibility and not that of the director.

BAPTISM CEREMONY

Rev. Hensley often tells the story of his own baptism. He originally was baptized a Southern Baptist, but, as his knowledge grew of different modes of baptism he felt he had to try them all - just to make sure! When we talk of different modes we are talking of the different ways in which one can be baptized.

Water may be poured or sprinkled on the head, or the person may be immersed once or three times, backwards or forwards, or water may not be used at all. Another variable is age. The controversy of 'infant baptism" vs "believer's baptismlf has been a constant one. In fbeliever's baptism" the adult convert makes a conscious decision to join the church. In 'infant's baptism" it is maintained that it was the practice from the time of the Apostles to baptize the infants of Christians. In either situation the baptismal ceremony is an outward sign of the dedication of a life to a specific religious philosophy.

CHRISTENING

Christening (naming an infant) takes place at the time of baptism. Christening at first meant "to make Christian". The custom dates back to early Christian times, when a person took a new name at baptism.

FUNDRAISING - HOW TO FINANCE A CHURCH

A church today is not only an intricate part of its community, but, an indispensable agent of change, a source of aid and consolation beyond the traditional spiritual bounds. Such services as a modern church offers - emergency relief, half-way houses, counseling centers, child care and summer camps, community projects, etc. -are expensive to operate.

The most important thing in all congregations is the financing. The Government allows you to operate a congregation, if you are a non-profit organization. This could be in your home; it could be a man and his wife and one child who is 18 years old or older.

They can form a congregation and have meetings in their home. It takes three people. A President, A Treasurer, and a Secretary. How can your church raise enough funds to adequately perform its modern, vital functions?

Your church is a non-profit organization, and that means that, like any other non-profit organization, you can offer services and goods - and request donations. These goods and services may be anything you have or that may be donated to you.

Among the services we can mention yard work, auto repair, house painting, window washing, dog grooming, and everyone's favorite: the car wash.

Bingo, chess and checker tournaments, public readings, stage plays, films every kind of entertainment that is acceptable to your community. The possibilities are endless!

Goods are usually obtained through donations. When people donate items, they are entitled to get receipts giving them credit for their donations. Such donations are, of course, tax deductible.

Make sure you have a congregation before you start raising any money! Once you are ready and have congregation, go down to the stationary store and buy yourself a receipt book, or you can request one from Headquarters. This way you can give people a receipt for their donations, which is tax deductible. Always remember that a church is tax-exempt.

As President of Universal Life Church, I would suggest you and your Board of Directors hold a meeting. Draft a letter stating where all the money should go and what it will go for, that you are trying to raise money for the church. Type or print it on a letterhead. Mail it to lumber yards, stores, businesses, and banks. Request their help.

To me, this is a beginning. However, you should be aware that some areas require you to have a permit for the distribution of goods regardless of your organization's status. Some local governments have special agencies whose job it is to police raffles and games of chance; again, regardless of the operator's status, a registration with such an agency is required. To get up-to-date information on things of this nature you should contact your local Chamber of Commerce.

ULC LOGO

The ULC logo is our symbol of identification and is placed on all of the church's literature.

We are very proud of our logo. It tells everyone that "we are one" family, it represents all the people of the world. We have had many comments on it over the years. Many of our churches have seals made using our logo and put it on their literature, some have it put on a rubber stamp. Show your participation in the church, display our Logo.

OUR GOAL--A Fuller Life For Everyone
OUR OBJECTIVE--Eternal Progression
OUR SLOGAN--To Live and Help Live

HOW TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT UNDER THE CHURCH'S NAME

You will have to write to the I.R.S., requesting an I.D. number. This is not a tax-exempt number, it's for with-holding purposes only for the people who work for your church, and who receive a salary.

I want you to understand that there is no such thing as a tax-exempt number. Headquarters does not have a tax-exempt number. We have a with-holding number only, and this is only for the people who work at International Headquarters, who receive a salary. Here is what you need to do. Write your letter to the I.R.S. State that you are applying for a withholding tax I.D. number. State that you have a Secretary and a Treasurer and give both of their names.

State that you are Pastor of the congregation. You do have to give them the address where the meetings are held and your mailing address. Tell them that you are a congregation of the Universal Life Church International Headquarters at 601 Third Street, Modesto, CA 95351. Tell them that you are applying for your own I.D. number. In turn, they will send you a letter with an I.D. number on it. Take this letter and number to the bank where you wish to open your bank account. The bank will then allow you to open a bank account.

I'm sure that if you understand what I have told you here, you will have no problem. If you are just a small church holding services in your home, you will never be bothered, or have any problems. If you have a building and hold regular church services, you will have no problem. I must tell you that if you run lots of money through the bank, under your I.D. number, that the I.R.S. will probably look into your bank account. As long as you are doing things right, they will not look at you and you will not be bothered.

I warn you, if this church is only on paper, and is not a real church, you are in big trouble!

But, if you do it right, you will be one of the millions who have no problems whatsoever.

Let me tell you some of the good things about having a church. It costs you $35. for the Congregational Agreement, and $5 a month to keep it active. This is what is important.

But, just think. If you did one wedding a year in your church, that couple might give you $100 for that wedding. All kinds of people will donate to your church, since it is a church.

You will notice that we have a whole page on fund-raising, but, I just wanted to remind you how important it is for you to do regular church work, and to have a regular church, If you become an Ambassador for the church, this is one of the most important things you should know and understand.

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH, INC.
Plaintiff 
MAR 1, 1974 
-vs- United States of America
Defendant 
Civil No. S-1964


Order

"From the Findings of Fact, the Court concludes, as a matter of law, that the 
plaintiff should prevail. Certainly, one seeking a tax exemption has the burden 
of establishing his right to a tax-exempt status. An organization qualifies for 
an exemption under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501©(3) only if it is 'organized and 
operated ex- clusively for religious purposes.

* * *1 In the defendant's Memorandum in Support of its requested Instructions, 
filed February 28, 1973, 'the Government admits that the plaintiff passes 
the'organizational test.'... "The Court must then address itself to the 
defendant's second conclusion: that the ordination of ministers, the granting 
of church charters and the issuance of Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates 
by the plaintiff are substantial activities which do not further any religious 
purpose. Certainly the ordination of ministers and the chartering of churches 
are accepted activities of religious organizations. The defendant impliedly 
admits the same on Page 5 of its Memorandum in Support of its Requested 
Instructions. The fact that the plaintiff distributed ministers' credentials and
Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates is of no moment. Such activity may be 
analogized to mass conversions at a typical revival or religious crusade. 

Neither this Court, nor any branch of this Government, will consider the merits 
or fallacies of a religion. Nor will the Court compare the beliefs, dogmas, and 
practices of a newly organized religion with those of an older, more established
religion. Nor will the Court praise or condemn a religion, however excellent or 
fanatical or preposterous it may seem. 

Were the Court to do so, it would impinge upon the guarantees of the First 
Amendment... 

"IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the plaintiff be and is entitled to a Federal Tax 
Exemption and to a refund of all monies levied against by the defendant with 
interest thereon from the date of levy, March 19, 1970. 

"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the defendant's counterclaim be and is dismissed and
the plaintiff is entitled to recover the reasonable costs of the suit herein. 

"IT IS ALSO ORDERED that the plaintiff submit and appropriate judgement in 
accordance herewith.

"Done and dated this 27th day of February, 1974."
James F. Batten
United States District Judge

THE NEWS

The church puts out a newspaper called "The ULC News'. We try to get it out about 4 times a year, more or less. We request an offering of $5, for a full years subscription. This paper is our communication with the people. If you receive this paper, use it, and you will find answers to many questions you might have.

We are getting ready to mail out 50,000 newspapers right now. We send these papers out all over the world to communicate with, and understand people better. We would appreciate it however, if you would subscribe to "The ULC News'! If you have something to say, here is an opportunity for you to tell the people what you believe. Send us a letter, and a picture if possible, and we will use it in our newspaper. It makes no difference if you are a fundamentalist or a new age group, we will print it. just don't make it too long.

We also have a classified section in our newspaper. If you have something to sell, we would be more than happy to advertise it for you, for the low price of $10 an inch and up, depending on what you would like.

We will not run an advertisment or a letter if you are asking for money alone. If you have a congregation or a church, send us a letter about your work, and a picture, and we will print it, telling the people of your meetings.

It doesn't even have to be religious writings. Tell us what is going on in your part of the world.

We also put out a press card. If you would like to have a press card, send us a donation of $5 and we will send you a beautiful press card that will get you into many places. You can attend many meetings, and be able to pick up a lot of information that you normally could not get. When you receive the press card, have your picture and your fingerprint put on it.

It would be great if some of you could write us a story about what is going on in your community. Also, when you receive the newspaper, please share it with others so they too will be inspired and enlightened! KEEP THE NEWS ALIVE, SUBSCRIBE!

MARRIAGE

Our ministers may legally perform all and any service performed by those of other denominations; the marriage ceremony is one such service. The state does not provide a marriage certificate with the marriage license. A beautiful Certificate of Marriage from the Universal Life Church will ever enhance the couple's memories of the ceremony, and we offer these for use by all ministers. The Marriage Certificate is available from International Headquarters. For each certificate requested we ask a free-will donation of $3.00.

There are no special legal requirements for ULC ministers; the only requirements they must fulfill are those that the state and county in which they reside sets, for ministers of all denominations; and these vary from state to state.

To be legal, the marriage must be recorded. There are basically, two systems for recording a marriage. (These sections refer primarily to California. Ministers of other states should check their state Marriage Act for corresponding sections.)

The first is that of the traditional State marriage. The betrothed couple are required to have blood tests, apply for a marriage license, and have a waiting period between the granting of the license and the marriage itself. (By the way, your denomination is "Universal Life.) The minister is then required, within three days of the ceremony, to return the license to the appropriate government office.

This marriage is recorded and its record is a public document which is available to anyone upon request.

The lesser known statutes of the law, Sections 4213 through 4215 of the California Civil Code, Solemnization of the Marriage Act, "Confidential Record of Church Marriage," allow a couple to be married without blood tests and without a waiting period. And, most importantly, the kind of record these sections require is confidential; it is not a public record and no one, except the couple, can obtain a copy without a court order. This is an example of the second system.

The confidential marriage is ideal for couples who have been living together as though they were married and now want to solemnize their union. The state does not provide a marriage certificate with the marriage license. A beautiful Certificate of Marriage from the Universal Life Church will ever enhance the couple's memories of the ceremony, and we offer these for use by all ministers. The Marriage Certificate is available from International Headquarters. For each certificate requested we ask a free-will donation of $3.00.

THE WAY TO GROW

There are many ways in which we grow. We can be 'Born again', and we can change our life style. We can start to live the good life. Let me give you some ways to grow that I recently found in a devotional booklet. They are rules that can improve your general health and they will help your spiritual growth.

Daily Food - take in the "pure milk of the word" through study and meditation.

Fresh Air - Pray often, as Prayer is the oxygen of the soul.

Regular Exercise - put into practice what you learn in God's word.

Adequate Rest - rely on God at all times in simple faith.

Clean Surrounding - avoid evil company and whatever will weaken you spiritually. Stay positive.

Loving Care - be part of a church or other group that you will benefit from its teaching and fellowship.

Periodic Checkups - regularity examine your physical and spiritual health. Do what is necessary to keep fit.

As we find in Luke 3:11, "He answered and said to them, "He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none- and he who has food, let him do likewise." This was John the Baptist preparing the way. We can also prepare the way and grow ourselves, if we try to live right - meaning - live by a set of rules that will make you happy and healthy both physically and spiritually.

-- By Rev. Virginia Marrazzo

THOUGHTS ON LOVE

Love is all you have to give,
So give it freely while you live.
it is the essence of brotherhood,
And that is why it's strong and good.
Love fills in all of the spaces.
Attracting and holding together all things,
An ultimate joy to all it brings.
Love once given is never really lost,
No matter in what direction it's tossed.
Love continues down thru the ages,
And its work could fill many pages.
Love makes everything come to pass,
Whether to one, or to the mass.

-- Dr. Don Grey, N.D.

Dissolution of Marriage

The Universal Life Church believes the marriage vows pledged between man and woman is a sacred lifetime contract. But the church also recognizes that if two people feel that they can no longer live together as man and wife, and by mutual agreement decide to disolve their marriage contract, then this is their privilege. The Universal Life Church believes that marriage is a church matter and that if two people decide to seperate, then this, too is a church matter. The ULC will grant dissolutions of marriage for those marriages which are recorded at International Headquarters only.

A Personalized Wedding Ceremony

ULC ministers are able to make the union of two persons even more memorable by providing a personalized wedding ceremony. Many couples today are writing their own version of the marriage ceremony and with a ULC wedding they need not stay within the guidelines of an established ceremony. The ULC minister is free to cooperate to make each ceremony a very special remembrance.

Most persons recognize the religious element in marriage and wish to carry with them into the marriage the religious upbringing of their childhood. Most churches approach marriage in the same fashion, but there are unique characteristics of each that set them apart.

For example, Protestant ceremonies usually take place before the altar, with the minister facing the bridal couple and the congregation. The minister usually begins with a short sermon on the sageness of married life, the bride and groom then exchange promises to "love, honor, and cherish" each other as long as they both shall life, followed by the exchanging of rings, and finally, the minister declares that they "are husband and wife."

Roman Catholic weddings are part of the ceremony of the Nuptial Mass. At one time, the Mass followed the wedding ceremony, But since 1964, the ceremony takes place during the Mass--after the Gospel. During the wedding ceremony, the priest instructs the couple and each express willingness to marry the other, and the marriage vows are repeated after the priest. The priest then confirms the marriage vows with the words "l join you together in matrimony ...". He sprinkles the couple with holy water and blesses the rings. The ceremony ends with a series of prayers and blessings and mass then continues.

Jewish wedding ceremonies usually take place under a special canopy. The rabbi offers a series of seven special prayers, praising God and His creations. Near the middle of the ceremony, he blesses some wine, and both bride and groom drink from the same cup, followed by the appropriate vows. At the end of the ceremony an empty wine glass is placed on the floor, and the new husband smashes it with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Jewish Temple, and reminds the couple that marriage, too, might be broken unless protected. Other people interpret this act as a reminder to the couple that, even in the midst of their happiness, they must remember that sadness can also enter into life.

Other Religious Groups have marriage ceremonies that differ from these. For example, Quakers simply stand before the congregation and announce that they intend to live together as husband and wife and then sign a marriage document. Most Mormon weddings take place in Temples, and are accompanied by lengthy ceremonies. Mormons believe that these marriages wiII be good, not only until death do you part, but for the next Iife as well.

Discuss with the couple what they, personally, would like. A few resources available at the local library are: Underground wedding book by Reed, The New Wedding by K. Arisian, The Wedding Book, published by Seabury, and, Celebration by McCafferty, published by Pocket Books.

A Traditional Marriage Ceremony

(From the Alabama Book of Legal Forms)

Marriage is an institution of divine appointment and is commended as honorable among all men. It is the most important step in life and should not therefore be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but discreetly and soberly.

In this estate these two persons come now to be joined. If any person present can show cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak or else hereafter forever hold his peace.

(Addressing the couple the one performing ceremony continues):

I solemnly require and charge you both, as you hope for joy and peace in the marriage state, if either of you know any just cause why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, you do now confess it.

It is then your will to proceed?

(The parties must now join right hands):

To the man: Do you, sir, take this woman to be your lawful wife and do you promise before God and these witnesses, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her so long as you both shall live?

The man shall answer, I do.

To the woman: Do you take this man to be your lawful husband; and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses that you wi II love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto him so long as you both shall live?

The woman shall answer, I do.

(If the parties wish to use the ring, the minister shall instruct the man to place the ring on the third finger of the woman's left hand and hold as he repeats after the minister):

'With this ring I thee wed and with all my worldly goods I thee endow, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. (Or according to the creed of the parties contracting).

Inasmuch as this man and this woman have in the presence of these witnesses consented together to be joined in the lawful bonds of matrimony and thereto have given and pledged their troth each to the other (and if a ring is used: have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring), I now according to the ordinances of God and in the name of the State of Alabama, pronounce them husband and wife.

"What therefore God hath joined together let no man put asunder."

And now may the God of peace prosper and bless you in this new relation, and may the grace of Jesus Christ abound unto you now and always. Amen.

Suggested ULC Marriage Service

If it were possible to begin this ceremony by gathering together all the wishes of happiness for and from all present here ... if we could gather together those precious wishes of affection and our very fondest hopes and turn them into music, we would be listening now to a most inspiring anthem, where it would be composed of the most harmonious notes possible to produce.

Even though this is not possible, just speaking of it should assure_________ and_________that our hearts are attuned to theirs in these moments so meaningful to all of us for what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness.

Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between the parties. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between two human beings; the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life, it is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention since no earthly happiness exceeds that of a reciprocal satisfaction in the conjugal state. Marriage should be a life-long consecration to the ideal of loving kindness, backed with the will to make it last.

We read in in "The Prophet:"

True love gives nothing but itself
And takes nothing but from itself
Love does not possess, nor would it be possessed
For love is sufficient unto love.
Love has no other desire but to fulf ill itself,
To awake at dawn with a winged heart and
Give thanks for another day of loving.
To rest at noon and meditate love's ecstacy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude,
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in
your heart
And a song of praise upon your lips.

_____________' will you take____________to be your wedded wife, to love, to cherish, to continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion?

_____________' will you take____________ to be your wedded husband, to love, to cherish, to continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion?

Please hold hands and repeat after me: "__________, you are consecrated to me now as my wife this day forward, to love, to cherish and to have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, in sadness and in joy, to share together as long as we both shalI love. "Amen.

And,_____________, you are consecrated to me now as my husband, from this day forward, to love and cherish, to have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, in sadness and in joy, to care and share together as long as we both shall love."

What token of your devotion do you offer your beloved?

May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness.

May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place of sanctuary that many wi II find there a friend. May these rings, on their fingers, symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in the heart.

(Hand ring to groom ...)________, in placing this ring on _______'s finger, repeat after me: "I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity". Amen.

Inasmuch as _______ and ________ have consented together in marriage before this company; have pledged their faith and declared their unity by each giving and receiving a ring -- and are now joined in mutual esteem and devotion; I, as an ordained Minister of the ULC, pronounce that they are husband and wife together -- and offer them the Benediction of the Apaches:

Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness for you.
Now there is no more loneliness.
Now you are two bodies,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth"

General Marriage Laws

Open to inspection by the voting members at all reasonable times during office hours. All official church documents shall be prepared in duplicate, the original kept in a safe place in the principal office of the Church, the duplicate(s) to be filed as the Secretary directs.

Copyright by International Clergy Association. Reprinted with permission.

ALABAMA

Any licensed minister of the gospel in regular communion with the Christian church or society of which he is a member may perform marriages. Also, marriages may be performed by the pastor of any religious society according to the rules of the religious society.

Ministers must provide a certificate of the marriage to the judge of probate within one month after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk for the judge of probate.

ALASKA

The minister, priest or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state may perform marriages.

Ministers must provide marriage certificates to the couple married and report the marriage to the Marriage Commissioner.

ARIZONA

Any licensed or ordained clergyman may perform marriages.

Ministers must record the marriage on the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the Superior Court within 20 days after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the Superior Court.

ARKANSAS

Any regularly ordained minister or priest of any religious sect or denomination may perform marriages.

Ministers must have their ordination credentials filed by the county clerk who will then issue a certificate to the minister.

The marriage license must be completed by the minister and returned to the county clerk within 60 days from the date the license was issued.

For questions see the county clerk.

CALIFORNIA

Any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, of the age of 18 years or over may perform marriages.

Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the county clerk within 4 days after the marriage.

For questions see the county clerk.

COLORADO

Marriages may be performed by any minister.

Ministers must send a marriage certificate to the county clerk.

For questions see the county clerk.

CONNECTICUT

All ordained or licensed clergymen belonging to this state or any other state may perform marriages as long as they continue in the work of the ministry.

Marriage license must be completed by the minister and returned to the city or town clerk.

For questions see the city or town clerk.

DELAWARE

Any ordained minister of the gospel and every minister in charge of a recognized church may perform marriages.

Ministers do not need to be licensed to perform marriages but they must report their name and address to the local registrar in the district in which they live.

Ministers must keep the marriage license or a copy for at least one year. Also, the minister must, within 4 days, complete and return forms required by the State Board of Health to the clerk of the peace.

For questions see the clerk of the peace.

FLORIDA

All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel in communion with some church may perform marriages.

Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage on the marriage license and return it to the office from which it was issued.

For questions see the county clerk.

GEORGIA

Any minister who is authorized by his or her church may perform marriages.

Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage and return it to the ordinary within 30 days after the marriage.

For questions see the ordinary's clerk at the county courthouse.

HAWAII

Any minister may perform marriages if they are authorized by their church to do so.

Ministers must obtain a license from the department of health before performing marriages.

Ministers must keep a record of all marriages they perform.

Ministers must report all marriages they perform to the department of health.

For questions see the department of health.

IDAHO

Marriages may be performed by priests or ministers of the gospel of any denomination.

Ministers must give a marriage certificate to the bride and to the groom. Also, the minister must complete the license and marriage certificate and return it to the recorder who issued it within 30 days after the marriage.

For questions see the county recorder.

ILLINOIS

Marriages may be performed by ministers of the gospel in regular standing in the church or society to which they belong.

The marriage license and certificate must be completed by the minister and returned to the county clerk within 30 days after the marriage.

For questions see the county clerk.

INDIANA

Ministers of the gospel and priests of every church throughout the state may perform marriages.

Ministers must return the marriage license and a certificate of marriage to the clerk of the circuit court within 3 months after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the circuit court.

IOWA

Ministers of the gospel who are ordained by their church may perform marriages.

Minister must give a certificate of marriage to the bride and to the groom. Also, the minister must report the marriage to the clerk of the district court within 15 days after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the district court.

KANSAS

Any ordained clergyman of any religious denomination or society may perform marriages.

Ministers are required to file credentials or ordination with the judge of a probate court before performing marriages.

Minister must return the marriage license and a certificate of marriage to the probate judge who issued the marriage license within 10 days after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the probate court.

KENTUCKY

Marriages may be performed by any minister of the gospel or priests of any denomination with any religious society.

Ministers must be licensed before performing marriages. See the local county clerk for a license.

Ministers must return the marriage license and marriage certificate to the county clerk within 3 months after the marriage.

It is illegal to solicit marriages.

For questions see the county clerk.

LOUISIANA

Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion with any religious society may perform marriages.

Ministers must register with the clerk of the district court of the parish or with the health department if in New Orleans.

After performing a marriage, the minister must complete a marriage certificate and return it to the clerk of the district court.

For questions see the clerk of the district court.

MAINE

Ordained ministers of the gospel may perform marriages.

Ministers must be licensed by the secretary of State before performing arriages. Application may be made to the town clerk or treasurer. There is a $5 fee.

After the marriage, the minister must file a copy of the record of marriage with the town clerk.

For questions see the town clerk.

MARYLAND

Any minister of the gospel authorized by the rules and customs of their church may perform marriages.

Minister must complete the marriage license and marriage certificate and give one certificate to the couple. Another certificate and the license must be returned to the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within five days after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas.

MASSACHUSETTS

Ordained ministers of the gospel may perform marriages.

Before performing marriages, ministers are required to apply for a certificate from the state. For applications write to: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Office of the Secretary, Supervisor, Commissions Division, State House, Boston, Massachusetts 02133. You must file a copy of your ordination certificate and a statement from the church saying that you are in good standing. Please let us know well in advance if you need a statement from us.

Ministers must keep records of all marriages they perform. Also, ministers must return a certificate of the marriage to the town clerk or registrar who issued the marriage license and to the town clerk of the town where the marriage was performed.

For questions see the town clerk or registrar or write to the Secretary of State.

MICHIGAN

A minister of the gospel who is ordained or authorized by his or her church to perform marriages and who is a pastor of a church in this state, or continues to preach the gospel in this state may perform marriages.

Ministers must complete a marriage certificate and give one to the couple. Another marriage certificate must be returned to the county clerk who issued the license within 10 days after the marriage.

For questions see the county clerk.

MINNESOTA

Any licensed or ordained minister of the gospel in regular communion with a religious society may perform marriages.

Ministers must file a copy of their credentials of ordination with the clerk of the district court of any county.

Ministers must give a marriage certificate to the bride and groom and also file a certificate with the clerk of the district court in the county which issued the marriage license.

For questions see the clerk of the district court.

MISSISSIPPI

Any ordained minister of the gospel who is in good standing with his or her church may perform marriages.

Ministers must send a certificate of marriage to the clerk who issued the marriage license within three months after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the circuit court.

MISSOURI

Marriages may be performed by any clergyman who is a citizen of the United States and who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state.

Ministers must keep a record of all marriages they perform. They must give the couple a marriage certificate and must complete the marriage license and return it to the recorder of deeds within 90 days after the marriage license was issued.

For questions see the recorder of deeds.

MONTANA

Ministers of the gospel of any denomination may perform marriages.

Ministers must complete and return a marriage certificate to the clerk of the district court within 30 days after the marriage. Also the minister must provide marriage certificates to the bride and groom upon request.

For questions see the clerk of the district court.

NEBRASKA

Any ordained clergyman whatsoever, without regard to the sect to which they belong may perform marriages.

Ministers must report marriages they perform to the county judge who issued the marriage license within 15 days after the marriage. Also the minister must provide marriage certificates to the bride and groom upon request.

For questions see the county clerk.

NEVADA

Any ordained minister in good standing with his denomination, whose denomination is incorporated or organized or established in the State of Nevada may perform marriages.

Ministers are required to complete a complicated procedure to obtain a certificate of permissions to perform marriages. Among other requirements, the applicant's ministry must be primarily one of service to his congregation or denomination and his performance of marriages must be incidental to such service. See the county clerk for applications, and for any questions you may have.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Marriages may be performed by any ordained minister of the gospel who resides in the state and is in good standing with his church. Ministers not residing in the state may obtain permission to perform a marriage upon application to the Secretary of State.

Ministers must send a copy of the marriage certificate to the town clerk.

For questions see the town clerk.

NEW JERSEY

Every minister of every religion may perform marriages.

Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage and return it to the county clerk.

For questions see the county clerk.

NEW MEXICO

Any ordained clergyman whatsoever, without regard to the sect to which he or she may belong may perform marriages.

Ministers must provide the county clerk with a marriage certificate within 90 days after the marriage.

For questions see the county clerk.

NEW YORK

Marriages may be Performed by a clergyman or minister of any religion. However, a 1972 court case said that in order for a marriage to be valid, the minister must have an actual church or at least a stated meeting place for worship or any form of religious observance.

Ministers do not have to be licensed except that before performing marriages in New York City, the minister must register his or her name and address in the office of the city clerk of the city of New York.

Ministers must complete a marriage certificate and return it to the town or city clerk who issued the marriage license within 5 days after the marriage.

For questions see the town or city clerk.

OHIO

Any ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation within this state may perform marriages.

Before performing a marriage, ministers must present their ordination credentials to the probate judge of any county. The judge will provide the minister with a license to perform marriages. The minister must then present his license to the probate judge in any county in which he performs a marriage.

Ministers must send a certificate of marriage to the probate judge of the county which issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the probate court.

NORTH CAROLINA

Any ordained minister of any faith who is authorized to perform marriages by his church may do so.

Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the register of deeds who issued it.

For questions see the register of deeds.

OKLAHOMA

Ordained ministers of the gospel of any denomination who are at least 18 years of age may perform marriages.

Ministers must file a copy of their credentials with the county clerk before performing marriages.

Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage and return it to the clerk or judge who issued the marriage license.

For questions see the clerk of the county court.

NORTH DAKOTA

Ordained ministers of the gospel and priests of every church may perform marriages.

Ministers must file a certificate of marriage with the county judge who issued the license within 5 days after the marriage. Certificates must also be given to the persons married.

For questions see the county clerk.

OREGON

Ministers of any church organized, carrying on its work, and having congregations in this state may perform marriages in this state if authorized by their church to do so.

Before performing marriages, ministers must file their credentials with the county clerk of the county in which they reside or in which the marriage is to be performed.

Ministers must give the bride and groom a marriage certificate upon request. Also, the minister must send a marriage certificate to the county clerk who issued the marriage license within one month after the marriage.

For questions see the county clerk.

PENNSYLVANIA

Ministers of any regularly established church or congregation may perform marriages. Also, persons may marry themselves if they obtain a certificate from the clerk of the orphans' court.

Ministers must provide a certificate of marriage to the bride and groom. Also, they must send a marriage certificate to the clerk of the orphans' court who issued the marriage license within 10 days after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the orphans' court.

RHODE ISLAND

Everyone who has been, or is, the minister of any society professing to meet for religious purposes, or incorporated for the promotion of such purposes, and holding stated and regular services, and who has been ordained according to the customs and usages of such society may perform marriages.

Ministers must obtain a license from the city or town clerk before performing marriages.

Ministers must endorse and return the marriage license to the town or city clerk in which the marriage was performed.

For questions see the town or city clerk.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Ministers of the gospel who are authorized to administer oaths in this state may perform marriages.

Ministers must complete the marriage license and give one copy to the parties and the other two must be returned to the county judge of probate who issued it within 15 days after the marriage.

For questions see the county judge of probate or his clerk.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Marriages may be performed by a minister of the gospel, or priest of any denomination.

Ministers must provide the bride and groom with marriage certificates upon request.

Ministers must also keep a record book of all marriages they perform. Finally, the minister must send a marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of courts.

TENNESSEE

All regular ministers of the gospel of every denomination, and Jewish rabbis, more than 18 years of age, having the care of souls may perform marriages.

Ministers must endorse the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the county court within three days after the marriage.

For questions see the county clerk.

TEXAS

Ordained Christian ministers and priests; Jewish rabbis and persons who are officers of religious organizations and who are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies may perform marriages.

Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the county clerk who issued it within 30 days after the marriage.

For questions see the county clerk.

UTAH

Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination who are in regular communion with any religious society may perform marriages.

Ministers must provide a certificate of marriage to the county clerk who issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage.

For questions see the county clerk.

VERMONT

Ordained ministers residing in this state may perform marriages. Non-resident ordained ministers may perform marriages with the permission of the probate court of the district within which the marriage is to take place.

Ministers must complete the marriage license and certificate of marriage and return it to the clerk's office from which it was issued within ten days from the date of the marriage.

For questions see the town clerk.

VIRGINIA

Ministers of any religious denomination may perform marriages.

Before performing marriages, ministers must provide proof of their ordination and proof that they are in regular communion with their church to the circuit court of any county or city or to the corporation court of any city in this state. The judge will then authorize the minister to perform marriages provided the minister obtains a bond in the amount of 500 dollars.

Ministers may receive a fee of no more than 10 dollars for performing a marriage.

Ministers must complete the marriage certificate and return it to the clerk who issued the marriage license within five days after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the county circuit court or the clerk of the corporation court.

VIRGIN ISLANDS

Clergymen or ministers of any religion, whether they reside in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the United States may perform marriages.

Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the municipal court which issued the license within 10 days after the marriage is performed.

For questions see the clerk of the municipal court.

WASHINGTON

Regularly licensed or ordained ministers or any priest of any church or religious denomination anywhere within the state may perform marriages.

Ministers must send two certificates of marriage to the county auditor within 30 days after the marriage.

For questions see the county auditor.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Ordained ministers of the gospel may perform marriages.

Marriage licenses are addressed to the minister who will perform the ceremony. The minister must complete a marriage certificate for the bride and for the groom and return another certificate to the clerk of the District of Columbia Court of General Sessions within 10 days after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the Court of General Sessions.

WEST VIRGINIA

Any minister, priest or rabbi, over the age of eighteen years, may perform marriages.

Before performing marriages, ministers must provide proof of their ordination to the clerk of any county court. The clerk will then provide the minister with an order authorizing them to perform marriages.

Ministers must return the completed marriage license to the county clerk who issued it on or before the fifth day of the month following the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the county court.

WISCONSIN

Any ordained clergyman of any religious denomination or society may perform marriages.

Before performing marriages, ministers must file their credentials of ordination with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which their church is located. The clerk will give the minister a certificate.

Ministers must complete the marriage certificates and give one to the bride and one to the groom. The original must be returned to the register of deed's of the county in which the marriage was performed or if performed in a city, to the city health officer. This must be done within 3 days after the marriage.

For questions see the clerk of the circuit court.

WYOMING

Every licensed or ordained minister of the gospel may perform marriages.

Ministers must give a marriage certificate to the bride and goom upon request and must return a certificate to the county clerk.

For questions see the county clerk.

HENSLEY'S MESSAGE

This is What Hensley Was Saying in 1966

What is Heaven? Where is Heaven? It seems that everyone wants to go to heaven. Most everyone has a different idea of heaven.

I used to think that heaven was a place. Then I believed heaven was a state of mind. Now I believe heaven is a state of being.

As I talk to people around the country I am more convinced that I am right. You ask some good Christian about heaven and as he explains it you will find he is talking of a state of being.

Cities with streets of gold, gates of pearl, a king, no poverty, no sickness, sorrow, trouble, crime or tears. You can see that he wants these things now. This is what we all want right now. I used to dream that when I died I would get these things. Also when I believed Heaven was a state of mind and thought upon these things I received a certain amount of joy.

When I began to find out that heaven was now and I was already in it I received a greater blessing. Don't get me wrong. I have not as yet received ALL the things that I think is for me, but I am working on it very hard.

Heaven to me is these things:

To be free, free to think, freedom to move, freedom to act. You see freedom is not something given to you. It is something one must earn to appreciate.

To be free from fear, pain, sickness, sorrow, and poverty. These are the things that most people are hoping for some day. They have not become conscious that they can be a reality now. What I want now is a happy family, a nice income, nice home, nice car, and a nice business. When you have these and can realize it you are happy. All of these are in our reach.

When we have reached this state of being we can then look forward to having all our enemies under our feet.

Especially the enemy of death because we can see many people around us who are getting closer to abolishing death.

Then Heaven will be a complete reality NOW.

To the next section of the ULC Book

BAPTISM

Baptism is a sacrament, symbolic of spiritual regeneration, in which, as a result of the traditionaluse of water, the individual is cleansed of original sin and admitted into Christianity or a specific Christian church. One does not need to be baptized into the Universal Life Church. Our theology expounds the belief in that which is right for the individual and many members of the church do believe in baptism. Thus, baptismal certificates are made available, at a nominal donation of five for $1.00, to those who wish an outward sign of this inner conversion. The certificates are available at International Headquarters.

Rev. Hensley often tells the story of his own baptism. He originally was baptized a Southern Baptist, but as his knowledge grew of different modes of baptism he felt he had to try them all -- just to make sure! When we talk of different modes we are talking of the different ways in which one can be baptized. Water may be poured or sprinkled on the head, or the person may be immersed once or three times, backwards or forwards, or water may not be used at all.

Another variable is age. The controversy of infant baptism' vs. 'believer's baptism" has been a constant one. In "believer's baptism" the adult convert makes a conscious decision to join the church. In "infant's baptism' it is maintained that it was the practice from the time of the Apostle to baptize the infants of Christians. In either situation the baptismal ceremony is an outward sign f the dedication of a life to a specific religious philosophy.

Christening (naming an infant) often takes place at the time of baptism. Christening at first meant to make Christian'. The custom dates back to early Christian times, when a person took a new name at baptism.

SPECIAL TITLES

SAINTHOOD CERTIFICATE - Do you know a 'Saint' personally? Do you know someone who has exercised the three theological virtues -- faith, hope and charity - to an extraordinary degree? If so, you may bestow 'Sainthood' within the ULC upon this beloved person. Merely write with your reasons for bestowing Sainthood upon the individual and include a donation of $5.00. The Certificate will be sent to you, or you may have it sent directly to the recipient.

SPECIAL TITLES are offered for a minimum donation of $5.00. Most often the titles are used by the congregation to distinguish various positions within the congregation. We must have the names and address of the recipient (and the title desired) before Special Titles can be awarded. The certificates are mailed directly from International Headquarters. A list of Special Titles currently offered can be obtained from Headquarters.

S.O.U.L. CLINIC LICENSE--The science of understanding life, SOUL Clinic course, is a course in psychology. This course does not entitle you to be a state certified psychologist; however, it does qualify you as a psychological counselor. This course consists of twelve lessons and two textbooks, obtainable at your local library.

A SOUL Clinic License is issued upon completion of the course. This course consists of resources from many fields-Psychology, Metaphysics, Christianity, Eastern and Western religious writings, counseling, guidance and practical information-all relating to the problems of life and how to overcome them.

This interesting course is a must for every active minister and is available for a minimum donation f $100.00, $55.00 for Active Congregations.

A complete list of Special Titles offered by the Universal Life Church is located on page on this Web Site.

* Please note if you wish to receive a title from the ULC, it must be one offered on the list of titles or we cannot grant it to you.

DEGREES OFFERED BY ULC

HONORARY DOCTOR OF DIVINITY--This degree is as good as any DD issued by any other church in the U.S. Federal Judge James Battin has ruled that this is a valid degree. The State considers all DD degrees, issued by any church organization, to be Honorary. But, the ULC considers this to be a real degree because everyone has the right to their own interpretation of God and the Bible. That is why we issue this degree. This degree is accredited by the International Accrediting Association. To receive this degree, we ask an offering of $20.00, $12.00 for Active Congregations.

The Doctorate of Religious Humanities is essentially a course in American Church Law and Parliamentary Procedure. Every minister should have some knowledge of legal rules and principles concerning the relationship of church and state in America. This course is available for he minimum offering of $40.00.

DOCTOR OF METAPHYSICS--The Church also offers a course in metaphysics. Some people ask, what is Metaphysics? It is a doctrine of the invisible within the physical (self-realization and understanding). This course was written to help you understand the basic principles behind metaphysical teachings, and gives a brief history of its development, explains the different schools of thought within the metaphysical movement and generally introduces the student to this fascinating religious science. This course is available for a donation of $20.00, $12.00 for Active Congregations.

Once again we are offering a Bible studies course. This course is comprised of 30 lessons from Genesis to the book of Revelations. The context is non-denominational and is therefore acceptable for those in all walks of life. This is a very comprehensive study of the Bible, with allreferences made to the King James Version. Upon completion of the studies, a Doctor of Biblical Studies degree is awarded for a minimum donation of $25.00. This book is not about what the Universal Life Church teaches, it's what Rev. Hensley believes himself. However, the degree is granted by the Universal Life Church. This book is all about man and woman, how they got onto this planet, and how they got mixed up with the animal race. This book will also tell you what Rev. Hensley believes about God. Yes, he does believe in God. He believes Mother God is Earth and Father God is the life of the Earth's substance. It will teach you how the earth came into being. Science tells us the evolution theory. The church says the creative theory. Rev. Hensley teaches the eternal theory, that everything is eternal, having no beginning and having no end.

Is the bible authentic? Rev. Hensley says No! Is there a Heaven, where man goes to when he dies? No! Neither is there a Hell that man goes to. Rev. Hensley believes the church and state are one and the same. Here are many other subjects the book will tell you about; Life, Death, Resurrection, Prayer, The Holy Spirit, Baptism, Born again, Eternal Security, Reincarnation, Family, Money, Taxes, The Fall of Man, Hope, The Kingdom, Time, Myth or Morality, A New Bible, and The World.

Rev. Hensley believes that we, the people of today, are the blueprints of the world to come. Our children and grand-children will be the blueprints of their future. Rev. Hensley really does believe that we have the world in our hands. It's what we do with it, that counts.

This book is the best book that you can get your hands on today! I don't believe that you can get your hands on a better one. I know there are thousands of people singing that song, 'We've got the whole wide world in our hands.' Are they really conscious? Do they really understand what it means to have the whole world in their hands? No, they really don't! But, that is what this book is about - to wake the conscious and make you realize that you really do have the whole world in your hands.

If you want this book and wish to have a Masters Degree in Religion, it's very simple. just send $5 to International Headquarters. The address is 601 Third Street, Modesto, CA 95351, and we will send you the book. Study it very carefully. Answer the questions on the exam in the back of the book. Tear out the page and mail it back with $45. If you get 75% or more of the questions right, we will grant you a Masters Degree in Religion. You will then receive a beautiful certificate.

However, if you just want the book, so that you can decide, only send the first $5. Then you can decide if you wish to have a Masters Degree in Religion.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN RELIGION

Now you have had a chance to read through some of this book and see what some of the things are, that the Universal Life Church has to offer you. This Ph.D. is the best degree we have ever offered. It is a complete Ph.D. in Religion. Thousands of people have taken this course and received their Ph.D. The Universal Life Church has offered this course for several years. If you have the Masters Degree, I'm sure you will want the Ph.D. as well. This course has opened many doors for people, and will continue to open many more. This is an accredited degree. it has the seal of the Universal Life Church on the face, and it is as good as any other religious degree that you can receive.

We are offering it to all people for a free-will offering of $100. You will never get a better chance to receive your Ph.D. than right now!

The Doctor of Philosophy in Religion is offered to those that simply study the Bible condensed by Rev. Hensley. Answer the questions that will come with it. When one completes the questions, (75% or higher on the 20 question test), and returns the exam to International Headquarters with the donation of $100.00, we will grant the individual a Ph.D. in Religion. This degree is accredited by the International Accrediting Association. You will receive a beautiful certificate that will be signed by Rev. Hensley, personally.

In Galatians 4:1 Paul is saying, that as long as we remain a child, we differ nothing from a servant though we be lords of all. We will no longer be servants to the church and the state.

They were created to be our servants. We hear Paul saying again that we should not be deceived by man for all things are ours.

So this world and all things in it belongs to all people of all nations. The Universal Life Church is standing in between the church and the state, telling people that they are free to break the yoke of bondage and to start standing up for their rights.

For the past 50 years or so, I have been following and studying and trying to understand the church and state system. Until some ten years ago the church was the important part of my life, but, then I began to realize that the church was the dominant power in this country. I also realized that the state was fighting the church and trying to take over. Here in America there has never been as big a war on between the church and the state as the one going on today. The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled in favor of the church, and President Reagan has made two statements pushing prayer back in the schools. For two weeks in March 1984, the Congress has been debating a bill on putting prayer back in the schools. The fight is even bigger than it was when Darwin came on in the big trial in Tennessee about the evolution. And when Madalyn Murray O'Hair fought to get prayer taken out of the school, it did not stir the people up as much at that day.

In the State of Texas the courts have ruled against the church. The church wanted to teach the evolution as a theory only, but, the court said "NO!' In California the church won a victory against the homosexuals. There was a bill for equal job rights for the homosexuals on the desk of the governor, but, Governor Deukmeijan vetoed it. Recently President Reagan appointed an ambassador to the Vatican which is another tie between the church and the state.

Abroad, the fight is also on between the church and the state. The Communist party in Poland is fighting with the Catholic church. The Communists no longer want crucifixes and other religious symbols hanging on the walls in schools and public buildings. In Lebanon and Far Eastern countries we also see how the religious system wants to take over the power from the state. So you see, why you need to know more about how the church and the state system works. Let me give you a couple of quotes from the Bible that stresses how important this is. We find Paul saying to the Ephesians: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the world, gainst spiritual wickedness in high places." (6:12) We must know who our enemies are - they are the church and the state. We hear Paul saying again the book of Hebrews that his "voice then shook the earth; but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth, ( meaning - the state) only, but also heaven ( meaning- the church). "

God told John the Revelator that in the last days a messenger would come with this message, and the message is that he would gather all things that are in the church and all things that are inthe state and make them one. The message is that all men are born free and that they are also born Kings. This earth belongs to all people. It will be taken away from the church and the state and be given back to the people.

I have been studying the old Bible, for the past 60 years or more. The last 30 years constantly, every day almost. Quoting from I I Peter's writing, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place."

This is the darkest day the churches have ever had. I feel I have a light to shine. Paul says that in olden times God spoke through the prophets, but has, in these last days spoken to us by a man.

He said that all scripture is given by inspiration. I know that I have the inspiration to write thisBible. Also, that it would be,"good for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction, in righteousness."

Paul also said that "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God." So, I feel that I have the full right to write this New Bible, for the benefit of all men and women. Paul ells us that we have received all the fullness of God. He also tells us that not only the fullness, but the Godhead have we received.

Why should I write this new Bible? I have been preaching to our people at the local church, for a number of years, that all learning; in medicine, science, religion and other studies, is like a step-ladder; when you reach the top step, what do you do? Think. Do you go back and go up it again? No. You add another step, so that the fellow that's coming up can go higher... and then he can add another step.

For the last several years of studying the Bible I've found I was just repeating it. I knew that it as time for a change. We are coming up on the 21st Century, and there's not one verse of scripture in the Bible that will take you beyond the 20th Century. I felt, by all means, that I should write a new Bible because the things I'm saying, the young people are overwhelmingly agreeing with. People are going to say, "Kirby, don't you know the scripture that says that should any man take from, or add to this book; what will happen to him?" I certainly do remember that scripture well. Now, I am not taking away or adding to John's writings. This Bible is Kirby's writings; not John's. Most of the people who read the Bible are not conscious that a lot of scriptures are fill-in words.

Here, in Paul's writings, in the 5th chapter of Romans, 13-17: 13) "For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15) But not as the offense, so also is the free gift: for if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16) And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. 17) For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.' These verses are all added. It's not in the original writings; 's all added. You'll find many verses and lines throughout the whole Bible that's been added.

Ever since John Wycliffe translated it into English in the 1300's, many people have come out with different translations of the Bible. You may say, "But Kirby, that's only for the book of Revelations."

But even in Revelations you'll find many added words and statements. In the last 50 years, it seems that every preacher that studies the Bible a lot, comes out with a new translation. The Mormon church has their Book of Mormon. Christian Science came out with their own; and on and on it goes, telling you what is good and bad with the Bible as we know it today. You hardly hear any preacher preaching from the original King James. My understanding is that the King James has been revised about 7 times or more.

There are thousands upon thousands of books being written about the stories of the Bible. You find these story books not only in Bible book stores, but also in other stores, and even at yard sales and flea-markets. This New Bible is going to provoke some people to so much jealousy and anger that it's going to cause them to read the old Bible, to compare it with "Kirby's Bible."

Then they will see and realize what I am really saying, in this new Bible. Here is one of the thingsI'm saying: Does your religion really do for you, what you believe? Does it give you joy and satisfaction? Or is it all in the past, or the future; and nothing for today? Do you feel empty, andfeel that you have to constantly go to church? As you read this New Bible, I'm sure it will give you new hope that you never dreamed you could have. It will give you so much that you'll want to tell the whole world about this "New Life."

On the next page you'll find an illustration I had made, to help you understand these two worlds; the visible and the invisible. Look in your Bible, at Romans 1:20 "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse:

3 In the invisible world, Christians have to deal with Christ, the Church and the devil.

4 In the visible world, you have to deal with God, the State and Jesus.

5 If you want to understand the Bible better, learn this chart --- study it.

6 We will endeavor to explain some of the things the Bible says, about these illustrations.

7 1 would like for you to think and understand why we put God up in the left hand corner and we put the Devil in the bottom, right hand corner (a complete opposite of each other).

8 You can see that a line going from God to the Devil would go right through the man.

9 Just think for a minute, about positive and negative. When you look at the extreme ends of positive and negative, can you find the absolute center point, of positive and negative? No. No one has been able to find the exact center, because it's left to each individual. Good and bad are left up to the person. One person thinks something to be bad and another person doesn't. One person will say something is cold and another person will say the same thing is hot.

10 When we talk about God we have to talk about the devil too, because they're one and the same. For instance, you cannot talk about good without talking about the bad, also, because it takes them both to make the whole.

11 I would like for you to ask yourself a question: Do I really believe what I've been taught about God? Is God a personality? is he a trinity? Is he a man, like you and me?

12 The Bible, from Genesis to Revelations gives him all kinds of names and descriptions. Most of the time it speaks of him as a "male" being. Many of the new translations, that are coming out, are getting away from calling God either a male or female being. I would like to say, right now, that when we speak of God, we don't speak of him as being a male, or female. God is a family name. It means mother earth and father life. Nothing more, nothing less.

13 When we say God, we're always referring to both substance and life. Isn't that really our mother and father substance and life? Let me explain it a little different.- The mother produces the flesh (body). Father produces the seed (life is in the seed),

14 If you study the man and woman, throughout the Bible, it always teaches that the woman is "of the man". One more little thought here; We plant the seed in the ground. Then, if it's watered and treated right, it will take on a fleshly body (or what we call an earthly body).

15 In reality, it's neither good nor bad. It becomes a God child, or a child of the devil. There's no difference, as they both come from the same source and they'll go back to the same source (that is, the body).

16 We want to talk a little bit more about what the Bible says about God.

17 We find a verse of scripture, in the book of Revelations that states that 'The mystery of God is finished". So, now, we are not looking at God as a great mystery. We're looking at God as "substance"-as our father, and our mother.

18 We see that all things are "of God". That is, substance (visible and invisible) substance. So really, God is no more a big mystery.

19 We see Paul, writing to the Ephesians, asking them if they didn't know that all things come out of "Mother God?" He also told the Romans that they come out of mother earth and go back to the mother earth.

20 Let's talk about the devil now. We have made it very clear, I think, that God and the devil are one and the same.

21 I want to tell you about a woman who was Miss America a few years ago. She had kept a secret, from the time she was 5 years old, till she was (to the best of my estimation) in her 40's. he said that only a couple of months ago, she had to speak out and tell the world her great secret.

22 She told her daughter (when her daughter was about 18 years old), when her daughter asked her why she was crying so much, that her daddy had molested her (from the time she was 5, until she was about 18).

23 Here is the secret to this story; She said that she was a day-girl and a night-girl. Absolutely, wo different personalities. She said that at night it was hell. She cried and was miserable. But in the daytime she was alive, beautiful, innocent, A-1 student, and went on to be the star of Miss America, a few years ago.

24 I'd like to say, right here, that her mother and daddy were a good family. In the town where they lived, they were well liked. He was a respected businessman, very intelligent. (Her daddy is now dead).

25 Kirby, what are you trying to say? I'm trying to tell you that in the daytime, she was a "child of God". But, at night, she was a "child of the devil".

26 People didn't discover about this girl's life, at all. She had to tell them. Isn't that the way oall people? They have a good side and they have a bad side. You call the good side "the child of God" and you call the bad side "the child of the devil".

27 This religious world tries to tell people that when they "get saved", that destroys the bad side f a person. No, it does not.

28 The scriptures say that the devil is the prince of the air - - the spirit that works in the childn of disobedience. Oh, I know, some of the old writers prophesied about the devil (that old Lucifer and all the names they called him).

29 Now, before we leave God and the devil, I want you to look back at the chart and ask yourself a question; are you really governed and controlled by God, or the devil? do they tell you where to go, when to go, and how to do it?

30 Look at the chart, very carefully. I say that everything comes from the heart (or solar plexus) of the man. Man created God. God did not create the man. You are not controlled by no devil the devil is controlled by you.

31 Now, throughout the religious world, people who believe in God, believe he has all power, is all knowing and all wise, and that man is only a puppet.

32 God is just as big and as powerful, and as great as you think him to be. If you think of him as a man, naturally, you're going to believe he's a man. But if you think that God is male and female, is the earth (as mother-God) and Life (as father-God), then you can begin to realize that you have control of all substance, once you understand its laws. This is the way you become the controller of all things.

33 Let me give you a scripture that is found in Ephesians chapter 3 and verse 20. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory . . .'. So, you see, we have the control (once you understand this).

34 A human being has a tendency, when he hears things, and is taught about things, to blow them up and make them big.

35 For instance, a Baptist person makes God a great big judge. A Pentecostal wants to blow God up, through Jesus. But the Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Seventh day Adventist, etc., don't make God a great judge, or outstanding power over man. But they do (also) believe in God and the devil.

CHRIST & JESUS

(Please Refer Back To The Chart)

1 We want to talk about Christ and Jesus. They are one and the same.

2 Christ represents the invisible man and Jesus represents the visible man.

3 There's nothing more important than studying these two.

4 Peter said to "gird up the loins of your mind and hope for the end of the dispensation", for there will be the revelation of Christ and Jesus.

5 Once you have this revelation, everything will change,- the way you look at the Bible and the way you look at religion.

6 If you read in Colossians, you will find that Christ represents life - - - eternal life. We're talking about a life that has no beginning and has no end.

7 Christ has been a big mystery all through the Old Testament.

8 Some of the old prophets talked of the Spirit of Christ that was in them.

9 Some people have been deceived by believing that Jesus was the Christ.

10 We find Paul telling the Colossians that in Christ "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge". This is the reason that people can not see the separation of Christ from Jesus. They believe that everything is in Jesus.

11 Paul said (again, to the Colossians) "let no man spoil you, at all." Men will run after Jesus andnot after Christ, but "in Christ dwells all the fullness of the godhead, bodily."

12 And, he goes on farther to say: "We are complete in him, which is the head of all principalities and power.' (Think about that!).

13 This is all going to happen in the dispensation of the fullness of time (and this is less than 9 ears away).

14 We find Paul telling the Ephesians that we shall come into the knowledge that we are the sons of God, unto a perfect man, unto the stature of the fullness of Christ.

15 We hear him talking to the Thessalonians. He's telling them to (first) not to be moved by the letter or by spirit, concerning the coming day of Christ, because it's closer than you think.

16 He said 'Let no man deceive you - - " and that the day of Christ will not come, till two things happen; There must first, come a falling away (from the man Jesus), and the man of sin must be revealed, which is the man Jesus.

17 He goes on further to say that the mystery of iniquity (which means; wickedness) would be great. Never, in the time of history, has wickedness been as great as it is today. And it will continue to get worse, until Jesus is removed.

18 We will talk more about Jesus, after we're through talking about Christ.

19 John the revelator was supposedly "poured out on the island of Patmos, in boiling oil, because he had the message of "the last day" - - - he was to tell the world who Christ was.

20 Those old, political guys were determined that he was not going to tell the people that Jesus was a fake and Christ was the real one. So, they put him out on this island.

21 While he was out on this island he was raised up and was given a little book (with a seal on the back of it), meaning he could read this book.

22 It had the story of 'the 7,000 years'. So, we find him "eating this little book" after he had rea it. He was told he would prophecy again, before many nations and people and tongues and kings.

23 There's one thing very important that he said. That at the beginning of 1,000 years the mystery of the godhead would be finished.

24 Listen to what was said in Jeremiah; That John is to appear (sometime before the 21st century) and he was going to be set over all the nations of the world. Here' s some of the things he 's going to do;

25 He is going to root out, pull down, destroy and throw down - - - to rebuild and restore the garden of Eden.

26 Listen to what we find in Daniel 2:44. 'And in the days of the kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

27 Here, we see the word consume means to "devour" - swallow them up. And we believe this message to be John's message.

28 Oh, I could say that I am a reincarnated John, but that wouldn't mean anything. It's the message that counts.

JESUS

(Please Refer Back To The Chart)

1 The man Jesus has taken on many names. The first one being "the Serpent.

2 If you will look at the definitions of "serpent" you'll see Satan, devil, evil (wicked) one.

3 1 know the first appearance of Jesus was in the garden of Eden, because, we can see plumb through the Bible, through the book of Revelation, reference to "The Serpent".

4 He deceived Eve and had a son (which was Cain) and Cain and his seed corrupted the whole world, of that time.

5 We find him many places, including in the wilderness, with the children of Israel.

6 The same lie that was told in the garden of Eden, was told here, in the wilderness.

7 He was put on a tree (same as he was in the garden) and those who looked upon him were promised to live forever.

8 We find him again, as a snake (or serpent) in John's writings (as Moses lifted up the serpent, in the wilderness, hanging him on a tree, Jesus would be lifted up - hanging on a tree - and everyone who looked on him would have "everlasting life").

9 We find him again, in the book of Revelation. And after he's taken down this time, he will not deceive the people anymore.

10 He's been called 'anti-Christ', the man of sin, false prophet and on and on, with the titles.

11 A good actor can act the part he's playing, better than the original. Jesus was a good actor, because he had studied the Old Testament and knew exactly what the prophecy had said, about the coming Christ (or the man that would come back and restore Israel).

12 But he did not deceive the Jews. They still don't believe in him.

13 If you'll notice, as you read the 4 gospels, (Matthew, Mark, John and Luke), when he did certain things, he'd say: "because it's been written, that he must fulfill the scriptures.

14 Here is a man that lived at the time of Jesus (his name is John the Baptist) who testified many times, that Jesus was the man the Old Testament had prophesied of

15 John the Baptist and Jesus had their ministry up and down through the same part of the country. They crossed paths at different times.

16 After John began to progress, actually, some of Jesus' followers turned and followed John.

17 John said: 'I must decrease and Jesus must increase." Is that what happened? NO!

18 Some of Jesus' own disciples told him that John was making more disciples than he was (and Jesus didn't have much to say, about that).

19 As John got older, he began to speak out against the system and these people didn't like him. In f act, they hated him, because they figured that John was going to tell the people that Jesus was not the Christ, but was faking it. So, they wanted him dead.

20 There was this party (which was not a religious party, at all!). The king (Herod) fell for this little gal that was dancing, and he promised her anything she would ask of him (because, you know, he was expecting 'something' in return). So, she had John's head cut off and brought to her, to give to her mother.

21 I ask you; where was Jesus when this was taking place? Here was a man that was supposed to have power and was supposed to have loved his followers. Jesus did nothing, to save John from being killed.

22 Another thing; While John was in prison, he sent a couple of his disciples to go find Jesus, and see if he's really the man he's supposed to be. Here is poor old John, sitting in prison, and there is no record that Jesus even went to visit him, while he was there. Are you beginning to get the message .....?

23 Look here, at another story: Matthew says that all the disciples got frustrated at Jesus and left him, because of what he had done. He told them that they were going to be so mad that they'd go back to their flocks and scatter them. Peter got so mad that he locked the door and went fishing. What did Jesus do, that made them so mad?

24 The prophecy said (in Zechariah) that "he shall smite the shepherds," so, Jesus must have hit the shepherds (his disciples) a mighty blow. He goes on, in this prophecy, that says "he shall turn is hand against the little ones". Yet, Jesus always told how he loved the little ones. He was trying to fulfill some of the prophecies (that were told about 'him').

25 Here is another one; John said that the disciples would be scattered, and leave Jesus alone. What happened here? This is twice the disciples have left him. I can hear you say: "I never knew they ever left Jesus".

26 Listen to what Jesus said, himself: "Why callest thou me good?" - - - 'cause there's only one good one, and that is God, himself

27 Jesus said again, that all that had come before himself, was a bunch of thieves and robbers.

28 He argued with the Jews, about who their father was. He knew (and told them). 'You are of your father, the devil, and the works of your father you'll do." Wasn't his works the same way?

29 The Bible says that "The wages of sin is death". And, man is paying their price, themselves.

30 What has Jesus done for you? Did he die for your sins? No! He died for his own.

31 Listen to what Paul said, about a dead person. He said that the body is sown in corruption. When Jesus was put in the tomb, they put in a corrupt body. Again; the body is put in dishonour, in weakness. Jesus' was a weak body.

32 Jesus was put into the ground in dishonour - - rejected, unrespected, disgraced. He has brought disgrace upon the human race, because he's had them deceived, all these years.

33 Jesus asked Peter: "Peter, do you love me?" "Why sure, I do, Jesus". 'Then, 'I'll tell you what I'm gonna do' for you. I'm gonna starta church and I'm gonna make you a Bishop of this church".

34 If you notice, Peter's and Jesus' preaching was about the same, 'cause they were "chips off the same, old blocks".

35 I'd like to give you a couple of scriptures, found in 11 Corinthians 11:14, 15.

36 We find that Satan (or Jesus) turned himself into an angel of light. So, it's no great thing thathis Ministers have turned themselves into "Angels of Light."

37 Most of the churches today, you'll find, are claiming that they are of "the truth and the light",but they go right on condemning each other.

38 They have not the real truth of Jesus. The preachers of today, in many of the churches are preaching 'money". They are following the "Gods of this world", which are "Gods" of money and sex.

39 Where do we find Jesus now? We find him in heaven, accusing the brethren, before God, day and night. Yes, you'll find that old serpent there, day and night, accusing you and trying to show you up, before God, as a bad person. Remember; I told you that he said, that all that ever came before him, were "thieves and robbers."

40 Listen to another story about this man- John, (writing in the 19th chapter of the book of Revelations) telling you about this white horse, and a rider setting on this white horse, with an overcoat dipped in blood and the blood is streaming down the side of the horse. And this rider is screaming: 'War, war! War and death! "

41 I ask you, is there killing in heaven? You'll say "No". But, where did they get all this blood that this overcoat is saturated with?

42 Y ' see, he's mad as hell You'll say: "oh, no, he's not mad; he's a peaceful guy."

43 Let's go a little farther with this same story; John said he saw all the armies in heaven following him, on white horses.

44 I ask you, again, do they have factories up in heaven, making swords and guns? Where did they get these weapons, if they didn't make them? Maybe Russia has been shipping them to heaven, on their space shuttles - - do you suppose? Are you getting the story?

45 This man, and his army, have no mercy on anyone. They're going to kill every living soul and have all the fowls of the air come and devour the bodies, to clean up the mess. They don't even have anyone to bury the dead.

46 Does this sound like a loving being, who loves his enemies? It sounds to me like a man who used the wrath of God (which means anger, hate). On and On the story goes ......

47 We find Jesus talking (in the 24th chapter of Matthew) telling them of all the signs - - things that will happen, before he comes back.

48 He goes on to tell them of many signs and that many shall come and say "I am the Christ". And shall deceive many.

49 He tells them that there will be two in the mill, grinding; one will be left and one will be take There will be two in the field; One will be left and one will be taken. There will be two on the housetop; One will be left behind and one will be taken.

50 He tells the man on the housetop not to go down and get his clothes, 'cause there won't be time.

51 Some say they will go into the wilderness, to a hiding place, till the big battle is over.

52 Others will II say they are taken into the army --- I say they will all be taken into the army.

53 We hear Luke saying that Jesus and his army are coming, like a "flash of lightning", with swords flashing and guns ablazing.

54 1 want to say, right here, if Luke had really known what he was talking about, he would have talked about nuclear weapons and missiles and things like that, because you know, that no army on horses could defeat a present day army of this world.

55 We're coming to the end today, of this serpent, Satan, devil, false prophet and on and on with the titles.

56 You notice that on the chart, we've talked about God and the devil being one and the same. And we've talked about Christ and Jesus being one and the same; that they had the same spirit.

Now, we're going to talk about the Church and State.

CHURCH

1 We know that the Church (or, religion) came first. It was created by man and for man. It was a way man had to gain control over his fellow man (the masses of people).

2 In the book of Genesis we see where Cain and Abel were going to offer up sacrifices to their God.

3 This practice grew so much that they began to build tabernacles, synagogues, alters, temples, and burning bushes. Wherever these Jews went it seemed that religion dominated them.

4 You'll notice, in this same Bible, that some religious ideas and practices started long before theJewish religion started. Science is always finding signs of man existing millions of years ago, leaving some sign on rocks and caves, of their way of life - - and their beliefs.

5 We understand, from studying history, of the different people of the world, that religion has dominated the people of this planet. I would not endeavor to try to tell you about how many types of religious ideas and practices there are. Here in America, alone, there are thousands.

6 All religions of the world, when you get right down to the bottom line, are nothing more, or less, than "law".

7 Before you can have a law, you have to have a 'law-giver'. The people of this planet create the laws of this planet (to govern people).

8 They used to be governed by the laws of religion. We see now, that what we call a church (today) is created by people and for people.

9 At one time, we were governed, in America, by what was known as 'common law" (or, church law) and no one dared to challenge Church law.

10 In the last 100 years or so, man has been questioning Church laws. Y'see, they no longer offer "blood sacrifices". They no longer believe in many of the old traditional ideas.

11 As modern man began to educate themselves, and once they began to leave the church school and started up public schools, the church began to lose control over man.

12 The old Jewish religions are still very much under religious law, but when the churches began to break away from the Jewish religion they began to leave the old laws behind (such as: circumcision is not required, so much as it was before, in the old laws). The Sabbath is not considered to be as sacred as it used to be.

STATE

1 We created the Church to take care of spiritual matters, and we created the State to solve material problems for us. We elected representatives to handle the work and paid them through taxes. And very much like the Church, the State grew into a system that soon took over the right to direct for us and made us its servants.

2 The State keeps people down in the same way as the Church; with reward and punishment. The law abiding, tax paying citizen is rewarded with a house in a suburb, and his children are sent to schools in which they are taught to be good citizens like their fathers and mothers.

3 This is the reward. But there is punishment too. Those of us who refuse to conform, and feed a system that we do not want any part of, are dragged to court and put in jail. The State, the laws, and the police were created by us to serve us, but today they have made us their servants.

The freedom within the system is only imaginary, as the bureaucrats in charge constantly find new ways to impose restrictions within the boundaries of the law.

CHURCH & STATE

1 I want to talk about the Church and the State as one and the same

2 If you will look at our chart, you will see that a line between the two would go through the man.

3 I want you to think (like you've never thought, before) that the woman and man hold the Church in the right hand and the State with their left hand.

4 You are the "head" of both of them. The Church was created by man, for man. The State was created the same way; by man, for man. Without man and woman the Church could not exist -- neither could the State. When you get right down to it, the Church is 'people". The State is, also.

5 Let's look at how closely connected and similar the Church and State are. You'll find that lots of church buildings and government buildings look alike

6 Look at a church building; it has some pews in it and up front, most of them have two levels. The highest one is where the preacher sits. He's "lord over the flock".

7 The same way, in a courtroom; the judge sits up, at the highest level. The second level in the courtroom is where the accused has to go and the main (lower) level is where the people sit.

8 The highest power in the courtroom is the judge. In the church, it's the preacher.

9 As we said, the second level in the courtroom is for the accused. In the church, the second level is where the "sinners" kneel. The accused ask for mercy, of the judge. In the church, the "sinners" are asking for mercy, of the preacher.

10 The judge has a robe on, and the preacher has a robe on. They look alike, they talk alike, and bless God, they are alike. Only, sometimes, the judge is more lenient than the preacher is.

11 The judge (at most) can only sentence you to death. But, the preacher condemns you to burn in hell, for ever and ever.

12 Here's where the big one comes in. The judge says: "That will be $500. Pay the clerk." How many times do we hear the man say: "I don't have $500.' The judge will say: 'Borrow it, or go to jail.'

13 The preacher will say to give $500.00. The 'sinner' will say: 'I don't have $500.00". The preacher will say to borrow it from the bank and pay it back, month by month, "or you'll go to hell, for ever & ever". It happens all the time. I could go on and on - - - -

14 Let's look at the Church and State, a little further. Let's just skip the 50 states and go onto Washington, DC

15 We elect Senators and Congressmen and send them to Washington because we believe they are good men. We have seen and heard of so much corruption out of our Congressmen and Senators in the last few years, that it looks like they're all bad - but, maybe not.

16 We pick out men, in the church and put them in as heads of the "governments" of the churches. They become preachers and go on TV and radio, and beg money, 'till it's unbelievable. They become so corrupted, that it's no wonder the Church is falling apart. It seems to be, that sex and money are ruining man Senators, Congressmen and preachers -- leaders of Church and State. We see that Church and State are one and the same, because of corruptible men and women making the laws that govern the people. There has to be a better way!

18 Many may ask: 'Kirby, do you have a better way?" Yes, I do! I will be writing about it, in this Bible -- just look for it.

The Modesto Bee Metro
Saturday, October 26, 1985
By WARREN WILLIAMS
Bee staff writer


The Rev. Kirby Hensley, embattled leader of the Modesto-based Universal Life 
Church, was 'whooping' with joy Friday following another court decision favoring
his organization.

The latest victory came in the U.S. Appellate Court in Richmond, Va. The court 
reversed a $160,000 judgment against the church.

Hensley referred calls to attorney Michael K. Curtis of Greensboro, N.C., who 
handled the case and who described Hensley's gleeful reaction.

Curtis said the plaintiff in the suit was Sandra Lynch, who charged the church 
with fraudulently representing that the church could perform a valid marriage 
license.

Curtis said that, according to trial testimony, the woman and James Lynch began 
living together when both had other spouses. When one obtained a divorce, they 
were preparing to marry when Sandra Lynch's father, Charles E. "Red" Wilson, a 
mail-order Universal Life minister, persuaded them to wait until the second 
divorce came through, after which he would perform the wedding ceremony.

Wilson married them as a Universal Life minister in 1973.

Approximately five years later, Curtis said, Lynch left his wife and married 
again, whereupon Sandra Lynch charged him with bigamy. Lynch contended the 
Universal Life marriage was invalid, and this was sustained through the North 
Carolina Supreme Court. Sandra Lynch then sued the Universal Life Church, Curtis
said, on the ground the ceremony was fraudulent. The jury awarded her $10,000 in
actual damages and $150,000 in punitive damages.

Curtis said the federal court ruled that there was not a sufficient showing of 
fraud by the church. e also said her action did not fall within the statute of 
limitations.

He said there was extensive testimony that Wilson and other Universal Life 
ministers had researched the laws and found reasons to believe they could 
perform marriages. To clear up the matter, he said, the North Carolina 
Legislature passed a "curative law" to legalize all such previous marriages.

The decision is one in a long string Hensley has won against legal attacks on 
his church, including a number by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

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• Canon
• Messenger
• Teller
• Saintly Healer
• Martyr
• Spiritual Warrior
• Minister of Peace
• Goddess
• Peace Counselor
• Priestess
• Seer

On Sunday, June 5, 1994, RAINBOW MINISTRIES of Victorville, CA, led by Rev. Virginia P. Marrazzo and CAMPBELL MEMORIAL UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH of Long Beach, CA, led by Rev. Robert Campbell, held the Third Annual Southern California Conference of the UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH. The theme of the day was "CELEBRATION". At this time, in California, there was much to celebrate. California had suffered from a huge earthquake in January and many people had been misplaced. However, we were ALIVE. At the meeting we discussed "THE NEW WORLD ORDER" and held an OPEN FORUM for all members.

Music, poetry, and an ORDINATION CEREMONY were also included in the program. And, for those who attended, there was a free lunch. It was enjoyed by all. Bishop Willow Defeo from San Diego, CA, attended on behalf of the Crossroads and SHARE program, as well as Rev. Frank Priebe, Jr. our New York State Ambassador. Others who attended were the Rev. Dale Bond of Fullierton, CA, Ambassador Ricardo De La Cruz and his wife Irene De La Cruz, Rev. Perry Stone of Bell Gardens, CA and many other ULC Ministers and members.

Each year we try to address current needs in the UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH. We strive to live up to our Mission Statement and our Slogan, TO LIVE AND HELP LIVE. Everyone is invited to the meetings and any help is greatly appreciated. We will continue to work for the ULC until there is PEACE and HARMONY everywhere. In January we will have our planning sessions and most years the conference is held in March. If you are ever interested in participating, please contact either Rev. Marrazzo or Rev.Campbell at Campbell Memorial ULC, P.O. Box 91176, Long Beach, CA 90809-1176.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MINISTRY

THE ORDAINED MINISTER

Q. How old does one have to do to be an ordained minister?
A. Ministers are of all ages, however, in California, you cannot officiate at a wedding unless you are at least 18 years old. The legal age may vary in different states so check with your local Marriage Bureau for you State's requirements.

Q. Are there any restrictions on membership in the ULC because of race, color, creed, or sex?
A. None.

Q. May I, as an ordained Minister perform work of a psychosocial nature without a license?
A. Yes, but this varies from state to state. For instance, in California, you are exempt from licensing requirements by the California Business and Professions Code section 9052; you are also exempt from license requirements for performing marriage, family, or any religious counseling by the Business and Professions code section 17188; to perform psychological and psychometric services or counseling by section 2908 of the same code. (See page 43)

Q. What authority do we have for the "Laying -on-of-Hands" during services and healing?
A. The "Laying-on-of-Hands" has been an integral part of the church from the beginning. Read Hebrews 6:2 and Acts 8:17 & 18. "Then they laid their hands on them , and they received the Holy Ghost."

Q. As a Minister what tax exempt privileges am I allowed?
A. In most cases none. As a private citizen, all your earnings are subject to taxation. Some States do allow an exemption on private property for the clergy; check with you local Assessor.

Q. What services do I have to perform as an ordained minister?
A. There are no specific duties required, other than those needed by the congregation. You are authorized to perform all ministerial services such as: baptisms, marriages, funerals; and to conduct church worship and meetings.

Q. What is the best way to contact other ULC Ministers in my area?
A. Place an article in the Universal Life Press asking for those in your area to contact you.

Q. Can I have a full-time job outside of my ministerial duties?
A. Of course. And you may earn any amount wages that you desire; there is no limit as to time or types of employment a minister may have.

Q. I am a prisoner; can they discriminate against me legally for being a ULC minister?
A. You may be interested to know that Congress passed Tile III of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1402 (g) refers to members of Certain Religious Faiths: (1) exemption (2) time for filing application (3) period for which exemption is effective.

Q: Can I use a tape recorder in my dealings with the IRS?
A: Yes; there is no law that forbids its use. In a hearing before judge W.E. Craig, the taxpayer was given the right to use a tape recorder during his audit.

Q: My accountant tells me that I am only allowed to get 30% deductions on my income tax. Where can I find where it says I can take the 5O%?
A: A notarized statement of such must be sent by certified mail to the IRS. This is covered in "Your Federal Income Tax" for individuals in use in preparing 1979 returns. Ask the IRS for Publication 17, (Rev. Nov. 79) and look on page 90, center column.

VOW OF POVERTY

Q: What is a vow of poverty?
A: A vow of poverty states that one relinquishes all personal property to his church, including the clothes on his back. He owns absolutely nothing. We do not encourage anyone to take a vow of poverty.

Q: Is a Minister who has taken the Vow of Poverty and who performs duties required by the religious order exempted from income tax withholding?
A: Yes, provided that the income is directly related to the exempt functions of the organization, the remuneration you receive may be excludable from income taxes, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

THE POST OFFICE

Q: May a congregation have a postal Bulk Rate mailing permit?
A: Yes, a congregation as a nonprofit organization is entitled to mail at a bulk rate. This is a bulk rate which is available to all nonprofit organizations. Ask your local Postmaster about these rates and the permit required.

Q: Can the congregation send fund-raising materials through the mail?
A: Yes, providing it does not break Postal Laws (i.e.) Chain letters which request money, bonds, books, or other items of value, and promise a substantial return to the remitter, are regarded as non-mailable under Postal Lottery and Fraud Laws, Title 18, U.S. Code, Sections 1302 and 1341.

ORGANIZING A ULC CONGREGATION

Q: Can I use my apartment as my church?
A: Your apartment may be headquarters for your congregation; your congregation can hold meetings in the apartment or wherever the Board of Directors may decide.

Q: What is the minimum number of people required to organize a congregation?
A: A minimum of three people -- a Pastor (or President), Secretary and reasurer.

Q: Is it necessary to keep minutes of Board Meetings?
A: Yes. Everything done by a church must be done by resolution voted on and passed by the Board of Directors. You need record only those things which passed.

Q: If a congregation no longer functions, and no one wants it, who gets the property?
A: It reverts to International Headquarters.

Q: When issuing receipts does my congregation use the tax number or our charter number?
A: The correct number to use is the tax number. A sample receipt is provided for you on page 26.

Q: How do I use the corporate number on my charter agreement?
A: The corporate number indicates that the Universal Life Church is registered in that state and is a valid non-profit organization. This number is used when dealing with any queries with the State and Local governments.

Q: What courses does the ULC offer to help me open and operate a congregation?
A: All of the courses offered by the ULC will help the new minister in starting a congregation. The Course on Parliamentary Law and Church Procedure would be the most beneficial on legal aspects of the church. This may be obtained for a donation of $40.00 from International Headquarters.

Q: Is a chartered congregation an extension, or branch, of the "Mother Church?
A: No. Even though the IRS will try to tell you that you are an extension, this is not true as you are Universal Life. You are, also, not an associated church. They will try to get you to say that you are a branch church -- you are not a branch, you are Universal Life.

Q: Can three of one family organize a congregation?
A: Any three individuals 18 years or older may band together to organize a congregation.

Q: Can the Pastor be on the Board of another congregation?
A: There are no rules or regulations on the number of boards an individual may serve.

Q: How often does the Board of Directors meet?
A: Usually once a month. Under certain circumstances, your Board may vote to meet every other month.

Q: How many members of the Board must be present to have a legal meeting?
A: At least two.

Q: Can I donate to the congregation if I'm the minister and a member of the Board of Directors?
A: Yes. The law says you may donate up to 50% of your taxable income to the church of your choice'. It is no more than a coincidence if you are the pastor and member of the Board of Directors of the congregation to which you make a donation.

Q: Does the International Headquarters control the money and property I donate to my chartered congregation?
A: No. All money and property will be in your congregation's name, i.e. Universal Life Church. Other than the $2.00 per month bookkeeping fee, your congregation will have no financial obligations to the International Headquarters. If you give additional financial support, you will doso of your own free will and because you will receive additional educational courses and degrees in turn for your donations.

Q: What happens to my congregation' s assets when I die? Does all the money then go to the International Headquarters?
A: Your congregation is operated by a Board of Directors. Upon your death as minister, the remaining Board members simply appoint a new minister and the congregation goes on indefinitely. If all the members of your congregation should die, including the entire Board of Directors, and all congregation assets were completely abandoned, then the assets would revert to the International Headquarters as opposed to reverting to the state.

Q: Does our congregation need an employer ID number?
A: Only if you are paying wages and withholding income taxes.

Q: Can the congregation pay for my health insurance if I am a member of the Board of Directors?
A: Yes--if the Board of Directors votes that all of the members should be covered with such insurance. You may vote to have the congregation reimburse the members for all medical, hospital, dental and other health care, including medications, provided such coverage is for all members and intended to insure the uninterrupted work by taking care of the health of the Board members.

Q: Can the congregation pay for my life insurance if I am a minister in the congregation?
A: No -- unless the congregation is made the beneficiary in the policy and the coverage is voted by the Board of Directors. (See page 64)

Q: Can the congregation pay utilities of a home used as headquarters?
A: Yes, the Board of Directors of your congregation may vote to pay all reasonable utilities.

Q: May I donate real or personal property to the congregation if I am the minister and member of the Board of Directors?
A: Yes. Real or personal property may be donated at "market value" without regard to your cost. However, if you have been taking depreciation on property, the depreciation you have taken must be subtracted from the "market value" of the property to establish the base for your tax-deduction from your gift to the church. We suggest that you do not donate property to your congregation unless it is a willing gift of which you relinquish all claim.

Q: Could the board of trustees vote to give me as Pastor an allowance (no salary) of $750.00 per month for housing and transportation, and other expenses without my having to report or account how it is spent?
A: Records must be kept of all congregation expenditures.

Q: Can a congregation start a nursery? If so does it need a state license?
A: Yes, a congregation may start a nursery. If the congregation intends to make its services open to the general public then yes, a license to operate a nursery must be obtained from the state.

Q: Does the congregation have to file a tax return for the State of Federal government?
A: No. The chartered congregation reports to ULC International Headquarters indicating the number of meetings held, number of persons attending, monies in the bank at the beginning and end of the reporting period (see page 24). if the government requests to see your records refer them to International Headquarters. No one may see church records without a court order.

Q: Can the congregation provide me with an automobile if I'm the minister?
A: Yes, if the automobile is to be used on church business. The congregation can lease a car for the Minister's use (including the car you already own) and vote to pay all expenses relating to the operation of that car, including gas, oil, repairs, license fees, insurance, etc. Or, the Board of Directors may vote to have the congregation buy a car and maintain it for the use of its pastor. The Board of Directors may wish to provide other services for its pastor, such as a house, insurance, medical services, etc., in a similar manner.

Q: Can the Board vote to pay for the education of its members?
A: Yes, the Board can vote to legally sponsor the education of its members.

Q: Can real property be declared a church where there is no building, and be exempt from tax as such?
A: Your congregation can hold meetings wherever the Board of Directors may decide. However, any property used exclusively for church services, and only that part, may be eligible for tax exemption. Check with your local tax authority.

Q: Is it OK if I am the only person making donations to my congregation?
A: Yes, but it is advisable to have more than one if possible. Remember that you are one among many that are donating to the Universal Life Church, Inc. throughout the world.

Q: Can I borrow money from my congregation?
A: Yes, providing that you repay the loan with a reasonable interest.

Q: How often does a chartered congregation have to meet?
A: Generally, churches meet on a weekly basis, however, there is no rule in the law so it may be assumed that the meetings are so spaced as to be reasonable for the religious purpose of the congregation.

Q: May the congregations of Universal Life establish their own retirement program?
A: Yes, it is suggested that the Board of Directors of each congregation invest in a good solid retirement program.

Q: Are churches exempt from the payment of sales taxes on items used for religious services?
A: Yes. Most states exempt churches from having to low rates, listed in the advertising section of the make such oppressive taxes. California, is one state which does not make such exemption.

Q: Can the congregation pay directly for any of the Pastor's clothing?
A: Yes, for any garb being used by the Pastor while doing his Sacerdotal duties.

Q: How could I find out about property tax exemption for my congregation?
A: Contact the local county tax assessor for all such information. It varies from county to county because it is a local government function., as it should be.

Q: Can we move our congregation to another State?
A: Yes; just notify us of the address change and the change of officers, if any. Send in your old Charter and we will send you the new one with your new State number.

Q: Do we need a congregation statement of beliefs?
A: No; but you may have one if the members of your congregation so wish.

Q: If we need copies of the Certificate of Authority for the church to operate in our State, who do we contact?
A: Write to the Secretary of State's office and request specific information. There is a basic fee charged for duplication.

Q: What name should I call my congregation?
A: You are a congregation of the Universal Life Church, Inc. and this is the only legal name recognized by the Federal and State Governments.

Q: Can the $5.00 per month bookkeeping fee go up?
A: Yes, the bookkeeping fee could be raised. But only if the costs become excessively high will we raise the amount charged.

Q: What must I do to prove that I have given to the church?
A: It is important to keep records; receipts, canceled checks and other evidence that you have donated congregation's to the Universal Life Church, Inc., as evidence to substantiate your claims.

Q: How old must one be to be on the Board of Directors?
A: All members of the board must be of legal age, 18 years, or older.

Q: What other than money and property, can be donated to the congregation?
A: Almost anything; such as jewelry, paintings, antiques and other objects of art. Household goods, used clothing, collections, books.

Q: Is it necessary for our congregation to keep records of who made donations to it?
A: As a properly chartered congregation it is your duty to substantiate the donations made by yourself and members of your congregation.

Q: Does being a chartered congregation entitle us to free advertising in the Universal Life Press?
A: No; all advertising is paid advertising.

Q: What is the liability of the members of our congregation?
A: No member of the congregation shall be personally liable to its creditors for any indebtedness of liability, and any and all creditors of this church shall look only to the assets ofthe church for payment.

Q: How can I help International Headquarters keep my file up to date?
A: Please print clearly your name, address, and zip code on your letter as well as your envelope. Use your file number on all correspondence with International Headquarters.

Q: My congregation is inactive what do I do?
A: Write to International Headquarters and explain your situation. If your congregation anticipates some activity in the future we will place your folder in our 'Inactive' file. No bookkeeping fees are charged for "Inactive" files. Otherwise your church charter will be canceled.

Q: I am in the military; can the Board of Directors grant me a housing allowance in addition to that given to me by the military?
A: Yes--but, since the government already provides you with housing (and, since the Board cannot pay for your housing directly and must make its bestowal in cash or its equivalent), such is considered by the IRS to be taxable income.

Q: How should checks be made out to the congregation?
A: All checks should be made out to the Universal Life Church and deposited to the congregation's account. Pseudo-names are no longer acceptable for donation purposes.

Q: Must l file and incorporate my new congregation?
A: The Universal Life Church, Inc. is already incorporated (or in the process of filing) in your State and no further filing of any kind is necessary.

Q: If the congregation pays for some clothing directly, is it still considered income to the Pastor?
A: No, it is garb used in the performance of his duties.

Q: Since the Pastor may wear street clothes, what is considered appropriate for payment by the congregation?
A: Not all Pastors wear clerical garb in the performance of their duties, so street garb is certainly appropriate.

Q: if the congregation gives him a travel allowance, or pays directly for part of the Pastor's auto xpenses can he still take this as a personal deduction on his 1040?
A: No- the congregation has paid this as a service direct and it can not be deducted on his personal return.

Q: Where do we find information on Bingo and other fund raising activities?
A: Contact Rev. Jay Rode, the ULC National Director of Fund Raising Activities, at 1566 10 Mile Road NW, Sparta, Ml 49345. (616) 887-1202

Q: Can you list briefly the various ways one can lose a congregation?
A: The willful breaking of any local, state, or federal law; and, failure to send in quarterly report and/or bookkeeping fees are grounds for cancellation. All of these conditions are mentioned in the agreement form, which each officer must read and sign.

Q: Are prisoners allowed to have congregations?
A: Yes; we have many congregations in institutions throughout the country.

Q: Can my three cell-mates hold a congregational meeting behind cell bars? A: Yes; there is no reason why you cannot, but it is best to check with the Warden about the rules of the institution before proceeding.

Q: If I die, can my congregation be passed on to my beneficiaries?
A: No; the two remaining members of the Board select an individual to replace the one who is gone.

Q: Do the Board Members have to be local, or can they be from another state?
A: When at all possible, it is a good policy to have at least two of the members local. This is a majority (quorum) to transact business for the congregation.

Q: Besides the Congregation number are there any other numbers we need to be concerned about?
A: Yes. The IRS Identification number on your Certificate shows that all donations to this congregation are deductible. The State Number indicates that we have filed in your State.

INVESTMENTS AND INCOMES

Q: What types of investments and incomes may churches have?
A: It has been the policy of the Federal Government to actually promote organized religion by granting it almost total tax immunity. All income that accrues to a non-profit church corporation is tax exempt (with the exception of unrelated business income). There are about six different kinds of church income, five of which are totally tax exempt.

1. Donation Income - All money and property donated or willed to a church or otherwise received from its church members is tax exempt. A church may perform any type of services or engage in any business activity for the benefit of its members without paying taxes on the income.
2. Fund Raising Activity Income - Whenever a church sponsors a fund raising activity and charges admission, the income is tax exempt. All income that is generated by various church members by donating their services in return for contributions to their church is tax exempt.
3. Passive Church Investment Income - All income earned by a church via its own investments in stock, bonds, rental properties, bank accounts, etc. is tax exempt. A passive investment is any investment that does not require day to day management and supervision by the directors of the church.
4. Capital Gains Income - Any income or profit realized by a church from the sale of church owned assets is tax exempt.
5. Related Business Income - Any income that accrues to a church from a business venture that can be justified on the basis that the business is related to the mission of the church is tax exempt. Several examples of related business income can be found throughout the Catholic Church with regard to the radio and television stations that the church owns and operates. Churches are also engaged in publishing as well as the life insurance business. The Lutheran Church maintains a $3 billion insurance fund exclusively for church members.
6. Unrelated Business Income -- Churches can own and operate any kind of business. If the IRS can prove in court that the income from a particular business venture is not related to the overall mission of the church, then it can force the church to pay taxes on the income. The most famous and recent example of this is when the IRS finally forced the Christian Brothers Winery to pay income taxes on the revenue they received from the production and sale of liquor related products.

Q: What is "self-dealing?
A: "Self-dealing" includes borrowing or loaning money, buying or selling property, and any other activity in which a profit may be made for the Trustees or members of the Board of Directors - except that anyone may receive compensation reasonably related to services actually performed.

Q: Can a pastor deposit his salary into the congregation account and take it out as cash?
A: No. This is "self-dealing."

Q: My friend and I both have a congregation. If I make contributions to his congregation and he contributes to mine, would that be considered "self-dealing?"
A: No.

Q: My congregation operates a service station. Do I have to pay taxes on the income?
A: Yes. This is "unrelated income"- it has nothing to do with religious purposes of a church even though the congregation operates the station. All unrelated income is taxable.

Q: Can the congregation buy real estate and other property in its own name?
A: Yes, any person, natural or artificial, may own real estate. An individual is a natural person, as opposed to an organization which conducts business, such as a church. A church, a Common Law organization, or a corporation, are examples of artificial, or juristic, persons.

Q: Can the congregation own and operate a non-related business?
A: Yes, the church may own a non-related business; see IRS Publication 598, "Tax on Unrelated Business Income of Exempt Organizations."

Q: Can the congregation pay utilities of a home used as headquarters?
A: Yes, the Board of Directors of your congregation may vote to pay all reasonable utilities.

Q: How does a congregation get credit cards?
A: The congregation applies for credit just like everyone else. Sometimes a different form is used. If your congregation has established accounts (stationary stores are easy to get) they will accept them as references. A congregation also uses bank relationships it presently has. Apply to them all. Often when a congregation makes 20 applications and one or two come through, the rest are easier to obtain. Go for a carte blanch (company paid) card, small department store cards and oil company cards. Credit card companies give a good credit rating to those who pay their bills immediately. So pay them when they come and don't pay any interest.

Q: Can the congregation own stocks and bonds?
A: Yes, the congregation may own securities as passive investments. There are many stock brokerage firms, some are called discount brokerage firms because they don't give advice or research. Discount firms charge 30% to 80% less in commissions.

SUPPLIES

Congregation Quarterly Report Forms -- $2.00 for 50. The quarterly report forms may be obtained from International Headquarters. You may copy the quarterly report form directly from this book, but it may be less of an expense to order in quantity from International Headquarters.

Receipts for Donations -- $2.00 for 100. These receipts may be obtained from International Headquarters. A receipt should be issued for every individual contribution made to the congregation.

Resolution of Board of Directors Forms -- $2.00 for 50. The Resolution of Board of Directors forms may be obtained from International Headquarters. The written resolution is a permanent record, kept by the congregation, of everything voted on and passed by the Board of Directors.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Your Action: Send your old address, new address, and charter number to International Headquarters, requesting a charter change of address.

Our Action: We will change your address on your charter file, your minister's file card, and recheck your charter file to make sure it is up-to-date. A new charter will be sent reflecting your ew address, but your original chartering date and charter number.

CHANGE IN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Your Action: The Pastor should write International Headquarters clearly stating what position is being vacated and who will be filling the vacancy.

Please include the congregation's charter number, and address. The newly appointed Director should sign this letter.

Our Action: if the newly appointed Director has signed the letter of notification the letter will befiled and the change made on the charter agreement. If the signature is not included, then you will receive a charter agreement for the new Director to sign.

THE BUFFER ZONE

I would like to talk about the book we call "The Buffer Zone". The reason I call it the Buffer Zone is because I was being buffeted on every side; by the US government, by the IRS, and by the state of California (as well as many other states), so you can see I had a big fight on my hands. I was also being buffeted by the Churches and even some of the "New Age" groups. So I had to fight back.

This book is about what happened during those years. It tells how the Universal Life Church was born, it gives you all the facts. Thousands and thousands of people have read it and written to say how much they enjoyed studying about the ULC and Rev. Hensley. This book gives a lot of history about Rev. Hensley, why he believes what he does. It contains many stories of the people who have been associated with the church over the years. It talks about Rev. Hensley's appearance on 60 minutes, Donahue, and many more TV shows. It tells about the newspaper and magazine articles that have been written about the church. Did you know the ULC was on the front cover of the Wall Street Journal twice? Its in this book.

The National Enquirer printed a front page story about the church, its in this book. The Modesto Bee has written a lot of stories about Rev. Hensley and the ULC. They used to be pretty negative, but the last few years what they have been printing has been more positive. All this is in this book. Articles printed by: Associated Press, Denver Post, Time Magazine, L.A. Herald-Examiner, S.F. Examiner, N.Y. Times, Boston Globe, Newsweek, and many more; are all in this book.

There have been movies made about the ULC and Rev. Hensley, songs written about us (one of my personal favorites is 'Holy Smoke"). Lewis Ashmore wrote a very positive book about the life of Rev. Hensley called "The Modesto Messiah". Its all in this book. The Buffer Zone talks about many famous people who are, or have been, ULC ministers. President Johnson, Supreme Court Justice William Douglas, Norman Lear, Carol Burnett, Sammy Davis Jr., Doris Day, Jimmy Stewart, Mel Blanc, Goldie Hawn, The Beatles, and the list goes on and on.

I will tell you, that if you want to know all about Rev. Hensley and the ULC, THIS BOOK IS A MUST! It gives you more facts and information than any other book ever written about the ULC. If you get this book, and keep it, you will have an opportunity to receive more printed material to add to it. As the story of Rev. Hensley and the ULC unfolds, you will be able to receive supplements to add to this book. We are now in the process of adding four additional pages. If you already have this book, write and tell us when you received your copy, and we will send you these four pages as soon as they're printed. This book will never grow old. This will be a valuable keepsake to pass on to your children and grandchildren. This book contains many pictures and sayings from a lot of different people, as well as some of Rev. Hensley's most famous sermons. This is a large book; 81/2xll', weighing over two lbs., and containing over 300 pages.

This book comes in a durable 3-ring binder with a hard plastic cover. The pages are not numbered so that new pages can be added as they become available. THE VALUE OF THIS BOOK IS UNLIMITED! If the church had ever put a price on it, it would have to be around $40.

We have never priced it. All we ask is a $10.00 donation to cover the cost of mailing it out. Many people have written and told us how much they enjoyed reading 'The Buffer Zone'. Here is one such testimonial:

"As an active minister and pastor of a ULC Congregation, I was often asked questions about the church that I could not answer, until I read "The Buffer Zone'. The wealth of information on Rev. Hensley and the ULC had me so engrossed I found it hard to put the book away, I wanted to read it straight through, but of course that was impossible. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the church. Thank you for printing such a wonderful, informative book."

Our files are full of similar letters from people who have read this book.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

COMMON LAW

WHAT IS COMMON LAW?

First, let me tell you that it is church law. It originated with people thousands of years ago, and rew in the Synagogues and Tabernacles, then spread throughout the world. Common Law is to do that which is right. It's your higher consciousness. No one has a monopoly or dominates the Common Law. The ULC, working with a group of Common Law historians, put together a course of study to help our people to understand the laws of the land, both Common and Statute Law, mostly to protect the INDIVIDUAL'S RIGHTS in the courts. The Common Law is Natural Law written in "the Heart of Man.' It is conscience and reason all at once.

The Common Law is the Universal Brotherhood of man. It does not recognize ethnic, religious, geographic, political or economic limits. It recognizes no barriers or boundaries at all.

The Common Law originated as the custom of the people who practiced it, and eventually became the law of the land. A government which practices the Common Law is called a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Common Law judicial decisions are made by "twelve good and lawful men" in the institution we call "trial by jury.' Trial by jury i the heart and soul of a Common Law government, the only true democracy.

The Common Law has its roots in antiquity, a beautiful history of men becoming free. Its principles were nurtured and preserved and, eventually, set most explicitly in the Bill of Rights by the founding fathers of our country.

Our natural and Constitutional Common Law Rights are still enforceable at Law, but they mean nothing unless you actually assert them and enforce them on your own behalf. That is what this course is designed to do for you. If you do not stand up for your rights under the law, you run the risk of losing them forever; because governments (ours included) have a way of enacting statutes to enslave you, statutes enacted by ambitious government officials hungry for more and ever more power over you.

Common Law is the ultimate law, its final enforcement is in the peoples power to overrule government itself, just as the American colonists did in 1776.

The Universal Life Common Law Course is a correspondence course study which will help you to understand the fundamental laws of mankind, to know the procedures which you must know to practice in our present law courts on your own behalf. Description of the Program The 100-Series courses give students a broad understanding of the Common Law and the issues of our time. Students should understand the methods used by governments to expand their power over the citizenry and of the dangers which certain political philosophies pose to the liberty of all. This series includes: History of the Common Law, Fundamental Concepts, Law and Modern Society, the Common Law Jury System; Rights, Persons and Property, Sources and Form of Law and the Road Back to Justice.

The 200-Series courses introduce students to the theory and analysis of law as it pertains to the Common Law in America. A student who has satisfactorily completed this section of the course is ready to take care of himself in matters of legal discussions of the Common Law. This series includes: The Common Law in America, Court Organization, jurisdictional Issues, Due Process of Law, Court Rules and Procedures; Actions, Moving Papers and Evidence, Proceedings in Criminal and Civil Actions.

The 300-Series courses prepare the student to actually practice Common Law in the courtrooms of America, to assert Common Law rights, and to increase the scope of Common Law usage. An unavoidable maxim of law is that 'custom is law". It is our objective to revive and expand Common Law usage whenever possible through adequate knowledge of its theory and widespread practice. This series includes: Legal Research, Parties to an Action, Legal Papers and Service, Summons and Complaint, Answer and Pleading Practice, Bringing a Civil Case to Trial and Post Trial Motions and Maneuvers.

The 400-Series courses give the post-graduate student sufficient knowledge of courtroom strategy and procedures to practice Common Law in actual situations with confidence and ability. Students who complete this section satisfactorily are awarded a degree of Doctor of Common Law and permanent membership in the Universal Bar Association. This series includes: Courtroom Strategy 1, II and III.

As stated previously, there is a most urgent need for the people to once again take up the study of the Common Law, to reestablish our sovereignty and to eradicate the foreign civil law that is taking over control of our society. Common Law and Civil Law are in constant ideological war against each other, so it is extremely important to understand the differences between the two.

AFFIRMATION OF LOVE

An alternative to the traditional marriage is a couple living together in a free relationship, sanctioned by neither the State nor the Church. Such a relationship was once regarded as "living in sin" by the established church, and there are still many Christians who will not recognize any alternative to the traditional marriage blessed by a minister. We only believe in that which is righ for the individual. Each individual has the privilege and responsibility to determine what is right or him and her - as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others. This is why the Universal Life Church offers a certificate of Affirmation of Love. This is a contract that binds two lives together, and the couple agrees to share one another's life materially, physically or spiritually. This is a personal commitment between the two, not registered anywhere. The couple take the vow in the presence of the ULC minister who signs the certificate as a witness. The certificate is available for a minimum donation of $3.00.

RENEWAL OF MARRIAGE

Marriage is essentially a social practice, entered into through a public act, and reflects the society in which it is found. in our society there are many couples, hundreds of thousands, that want or need, for one reason or another, a renewed marriage license to affirm their original vows.

For example, it is not uncommon for couples married in the late 1800's and early 1900's to not have a marriage certificate. The couple could obtain the Renewal of Marriage certificate as a lasting reminder for their families of their union. Many couples of our day and age want to renew their marriage every year or two. The couples believe that marriage is a contractual unit as well as a spiritual union. The certificate would be invaluable to them. Others want to renew their marriage in their church, the Universal Life Church.

Do you know where your marriage license is? is it lost? if so, the Renewal of Marriage certificate provides documentation of the marriage. It can be used in place of the original license.There are those who are widowed and for some unknown reason wish to renew their marriage beyond the grave. With the ULC Renewal of Marriage certificate they can. This certificate is not a legal document. It is a re-affirmation of the strong legal and spiritual commitment between husband and wife. It is available at International Headquarters for a minimum donation of $5.00.

SO WE ARE A CHURCH

In the summer of 1983 we made an important breakthrough when we won the final case with the City of Modesto. In 1974 we won a case with the Federal Government. Then we won a case with the State of California shortly thereafter. Later the County of took us on and we won again.

So we must really be a church, because by now the federal judges have said we are, the county judges have said we are, the state has said we are ... Do you know of any other church that has had to go through all the courts, from the lowest court to the Supreme Court, to prove that it is a church? But it's good, because the newspapers are no longer writing negative stories about us.

Now, most articles are positive. Like people all over the county, the media has begun to recognize the Universal Life Church as a major force in man's striving for individual and spiritual reedom. All over the world people are awakening, and as they wake up they realize that the earth belongs to them, to all people. Man is claiming his kingdom. You are the lights and you must light this dark planet.

THE HISTORY OF THE INCORPORATION

This is Rev. Hensley's interpretation and remembrances of what took place in the last 35 years.

He is going to ad-lib this message from memory, and try to tell you the best he can about the church.

Rev. Hensley is the founder and the President of the Universal Life Church. He incorporated it in 1962. We then worked under the corporation for nearly 30 years. About 1985 Robert Embeau, who is Vice President, and I began to realize that there was something very wrong. We were being hit from lawyers from every direction. I decided that we had to do something. I decided to call a board meeting and talk about what was hurting us, and what to do about it. I told the board members that the corporation is what's hurting us.

Many church groups were getting into trouble with the IRS and many other things. People were suing the corporation.

At the board meeting I suggested to the board that we drop the incorporation. But, that is a whole lot of work and problems. I asked the board to organize a new ULC called the "Universal Life Church" So, we did. But, we didn't use the unincorporated for a while.

Then the IRS made a big statement to the news media. They said that they had pulled the Universal Life Church Inc. tax exempt status.

THEN THE WAR BEGAN

I will try to tell I you from my memory about some of the things that the corporation has went through. But, before I tell you some of these negative things, I would like to tell you something positive to think about.

We have taken the heart, the life, the soul, the spirit, and the mind out of the corporation and putit in the unincorporated. Now, the unincorporated is doing wonderful and has no problems. You will ask 'What is the corporation doing?'

It is still dealing with the IRS The IRS wants about 3.5 million dollars. The corporation is in bankruptcy court. It does look like we will settle it in the near future. We hope so. They have all roperty tied up, except our local church building and things.

Now I would like to begin to tell you about the Universal Life Church, which I have told you about many times.

My first troubles started shortly after the church was incorporated. A newspaper in San Francisco ran a story about a boy getting a minister license to get out of the army. The news began to break. I started ordaining people by the hundreds and then thousands. At this time, the IRS went down and took about $10,000 out of the church's bank account. The Attorney General also got in on it. They put out a warrant for my arrest and threw me in jail for giving a Doctor of Divinity.

Then we started our lawsuit. You will see in this book, judge Battins decision, where we won the case. At first we lost the case in the state court system, but, we won with victory in the federal courts. We also beat the IRS They had to pay us back the $10,000 plus interest.

The Education Department of the State of California had a policeman in San Jose get a Doctor of Divinity degree from the Universal Life Church. When they got the degree they turned around and sued me, and put me in jail. We fought them all through the courts and won in victory.

All the news sources began running the stories.

All the television and radio stations began announcing it. Colleges from all across the country were calling me, to speak for them.

But, then the IRS began to come down on many of the churches. The Church of Harmony, which was one of our groups, started ordaining people by the thousands. I began to get on some of the big talk shows.

The Snyder Show out of Los Angeles was one of the first ones. KGO talk show out of San Francisco was another big one. Also, nearly everyone in one whole county of New York became ministers of Universal Life Church. it went on until about 1969 or 1970. We had a big convention in Idaho with an attendance of over 125,000 people. A lot of news media from all over the country covered the meeting. We had 42 bands playing.

The music never stopped for 3 days. I can't tell you all the details. I don't have the time or space, but, it was a great one!

The National Enquirer did a front page story on us. 60 Minutes had us on their talk show. And we were also on the Donahue Show. On and on it went. I went to Arizona and incorporated the church and filed it there also. I came back to Modesto.

A news reporter called me and told me they had a warrant out for my arrest. I jumped in my car and went to Arizona, to the District Attorney's office. I asked him why he had a warrant out on me. He didn't tell me, he called the Sheriff to come and get me. He came and put me in jail. They wanted a $5,000 bond to get me out. I had $10,000 across the street in the bank, but, they wouldn't let me get it. They made me pay the Bail bondsman $500 to get out on bail.

Then they set a court date. When I went back to court, they said that I had filed a false statement about the church. In court, one of the Secretaries for the state said that I did not file false statement, that it was true.

But before the trial, they offered to turn me loose if I signed a paper stating that I would not sue them. But, I didn't sign the paper and I didn't sue them. I should have!

The Grand jury in the state of Washington wanted to sue one of our preachers. Robert Embeau and I were subpoenaed and went to the Grand Jury. They called Robert in first. He thought they were going to put us in jail. Then I went in before the jury. This two-bit lawyer asked me if I would give him all the papers on this preacher. I told him he couldn't have them. He told me he would have me held contempt of court. I told him that I didn't give a damn what he did. He made me very mad. I said to him "if you think that I'm going to come down here with a bunch of Baptist, Catholics, and Pentecostals to let them judge my church, you are crazy!" The whole Grand Jury wanted in on this act.

The lawyer said to me "I'll take you up to the judge's office and we will let him decide what to do.' I told him 0. K. We went up to the judge's office. The judge asked the lawyer what he wanted and the lawyer told him that he wanted all the papers on this preacher. I was willing to give him the financial records only, nothing else.

The Judge said to me "can I see the papers?" I gave him the papers. The Judge went through them and separated them into two stacks. He said to the lawyer 'you can have these.' Then he gave me back my papers, which I didn't want the lawyer to have.

He dismissed me in court and wanted nothing more to do with me. I never heard from him again.

A state Senator in North Carolina got a ministers license from the Universal Life Church and married a couple. A few years later, the woman separated and got married again, without getting a divorce from the first husband. The state began to say that she was never really married in the first place, that the Senator wasn't a real minister. So, they sued the church for a million dollars.

We went to North Carolina and fought the case through the courts. At that time N. Carolina passed a new law. A law stating that all the people who had been married by U.L.C. were legally married. North Carolina won the case against us at first, but, we appealed it through the Federal Courts and won!

In Modesto they sued us and said we weren't a church, and that we should pay taxes. They said we were too liberal. They sent a tax man over to investigate us. When we went to court, the man testified and said that he believed we were a church, like other churches. We have meetings, a church building, pews, and an organ, like all other churches. The city still said that we weren't a real church because we didn't believe like they did. We appealed this case also. We won in the Federal Courts.

Mississippi had also taken us on and said we weren't a church. We went to court and won the case. On and on we have had these sort of cases.

Arizona took us on. A boy in prison had married a couple and the county claimed that it wasn't a legal marriage. In the courtroom, the sheriff testified that he had a Secretary write to U.L.C. inModesto and get a Ministers license for his dog. I told the judge that he had only sent in a name and that he didn't state it was for a dog. I told the judge this. The judge chewed him out and said that the joke was on the sheriff.

Lewis Ashmore wanted to make a movie about Rev. Hensley and the Universal Life Church. He raised the money and made the movie. You see, people had donated money and took it off of their income taxes. If the movie was to be a big success, then he would give all these people their money back. One man sued the church corporation for $75,000. We went to court, fought them and won the case in the court. We didn't have to pay the $75,000. We had a case in Denver. We fought through the courts a long time, but, won this case also. I went to Chicago to a trial once, which we also won. On and on it goes.

I was in two big cases in Florida. One of them was in Miami. We thought we had it won. A lawyer came to take a deposition and I thought the woman with him was on our side, but, she was working for the preacher that was suing us. Our lawyer at that time thought so too, and did nothing about it.

They got judgment against me and it cost us about $200,000. Of course, there are hundreds more small lawsuits, where we have been in court all over the country.

This is the big one with the IRS About 5 or 6 years ago the IRS said they were going to pull our tax-exempt status. They said the reason was that my intent was to ordain ministers so they could get a tax write-off, which isn't true.

The case got into the Federal Courts. They filed a lot of motions against us. I talked to our lawyer about it. He said we would appeal it in Washington. Our lawyer at the time didn't do enough work on the case, and we lost it. That is what we were fighting then. We are still fighting them in the Federal Courts.

There is many other cases I would like to tell you about but, I don't have the time or space in this book. If you have become a minister in the last 5 or 6 years, then you would not be concerned with this because you are under the unincorporated.

Here are some of the things that have happened in the last few years. The corporation has continued in the courts until now. We don't know what will be the final end of the corporation.

We have given you this information about what has happened, because we don't want to deceive anyone. I would like to quote you a verse of scripture from the Bible, which is found in Ephesians. Paul said - we wrestle against principalities and powers. We have fought the state through-out the country. We will not yield to their dictations. So, we fought the system. We feel that the people have the first rights, the church organization has the second, and the state has the third rights. The church and the state were created by men and women for men and women. Therefore, we have allowed the church and the state to dictate our freedom. We are no longer willing to let the state dictate our lives.

HOME

We know that a home is a man's castle, where Kings and Queens live. But, we also know that the Bible teaches that you can have a church in a home. We find in I Corinthians, in Colossians, and also in Philoman that these verses plainly state that the people had churches is their homes.

The Universal Life Church has many churches in people's homes all around the world. Many big churches in the country have started out in a home and then moved to big church buildings.

A church in a home is just as real and legal as any big church on any corner in town. It should receive the same treatment and privileges as any other. If it has a group of 3 or more people, the Universal Life Church honors it as a church and will speak out for that church.

Today, we see the schools breaking up. Many people are now teaching their own children in their own homes. There are several church groups who meet in homes all over the country. The people of the Universal Life Church meet in homes, but, we also have big church buildings and store fronts.

Remember, a church isn't the building, the church is the people. Wherever the people are, they are a church.

At World Headquarters in Modesto we do have a big church building, an office, and an auditorium. We have regular church services every Sunday at 10am.

Here are a couple things you should know if you are opening a church in your home. You need to be the Pastor if you are the Father or Mother of the home. You need to get a church charter from Headquarters. You then need 2 other people as Secretary and Treasurer at least 18 years or older. Once you receive your charter you are then a bona-fide church in the eyes of the state.

Here are some of the things you can get. You can ask the county (where you live) for a tax write-off. They will give you a certain amount of breaks and guidelines, because you are a church. You may have to argue with them, but, you have the right. A church has the right to accept any money, goods, properties, or other donations. You can give them receipts for donations and they can take it off of their income tax.

As you study this book you will find out many more things you are entitled to. You can move the church from home to home. You can have church Monday night at one place, Wenesday night at another, and Sunday night at another house. As long as you do it as a church. If you have a trailer house or a house boat, you can do the same thing.

MATERIALS AVAILABLE

1. The Holy Bible for the 21st Century $10.00
2. Ministers Credential $1.00
3. Marriage Certificate $3.00
4. Renewal of Marriage Certificate $3.00
5. Subscription to the LILC News $5.00/yr (out of US-$10/yr)
6. Baptismal Certificates $ 1. 00/per five
7. Clergy Sticker $1.25
8. Press Card $5.00
9. Press/Minister-Window Shield $5.00
10. Sainthood Certificate $5.00
11. Condensed Holy Bible $5.00
12. Honorary Doctor of Divinity $20.00
13. Doctor of Universal Life $20.00
14. Doctor of Metaphysics $20.00
15. Doctor of Motivation $20.00
16. Doctor of Immortality $25.00
17. Doctor of Religious Science $35.00
18. Doctor of Biblical Studies $25.00
19. Doctor of Religious Humanities $40.00
20. Science of Understanding Life $100.00
21. Doctor of Philosophy in Religion $100.00
22. Masters Degree in Religion $50.00
23. Special Titles $5.00
24. "A New Life-Do You Want It? $1.95
25. The Buffer Zone $10.00
26. The Universal Life University Common Law Course (Write for information)

IMPORTANT- If you are ordering material from International Headquarters that have to be mailed overseas, please include postage with your order.

UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH BY LAWS

I. PRINCIPAL OFFICE

The principal office for the transaction of the business of the Universal Life Church is fixed and located at Modesto, Stanislaus County, California. The board of directors may at any time, or from time to time, change the location of the principal office from one location to another in this ounty.

II. MEMBERSHIP

1. Members. There shall be two classes of members of this church. The first class of members shall be known as voting members; the second class of members shall be known as associate members and shall have no vote.

2. Qualifications. The voting members of this church shall be the persons who, from time to time are the members of the board of directors. Death, resignation, or removal of any director, as provided in these Bylaws, automatically terminates his membership as a voting member of this church. Election of a successor director as provided in these Bylaws shall operate to elect the directors to voting membership in the church.

3. Associate members. Any person who is ordained as a minister of the Universal Life Church and/or who contributes funds or other property to this church shall be an associate member of this church unless he is, or becomes, a voting member of this church. Election of a person as a voting member shall terminate his membership as an associate member of this church.

4. Voting and other rights. Each voting member of this church shall be entitled to one vote, and no notice of any meeting of the members of this church need be given to any associate members.

5. Annual meeting. The annual meeting of the members of this church shall be held on the 14th day of February of each year at 10am at the principal office of this church, or at any other time and at any other place determined by a resolution of the board of directors. No notice of any such annual meeting need be given if it is held on the 14th of February, at 10am at the principal office of the church; otherwise, written notice of the annual meeting shall be delivered personally to each voting member or sent to each voting member by mail or other form of written communication, charges prepaid and addressed to him at his address as it is shown on the records of the church, or if it is not shown on the records or is not readily ascertainable, at the place where the meeting of the members are regularly held. Any notice shall be mailed at or delivered at least five (5) days before the date of the meeting.

6. Special meetings. Special meetings of the member-ship of this church for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the president of the church or by any two directors. Written notice of the time and place of special meetings of the members shall be given in the same manner as the annual meeting of the members. The transactions of any meeting of the members of this church, however called and noticed, shall be as valid as though had at a meeting held after regular call and notice if a quorum is present, and if, either before or after the meeting, each of the voting members not present signs a written Waiver of Notice, or a Consent to holding this meeting, or an approval of the minutes of the meeting. All the waivers, consents, or approvals shall be filed with the church records or be made a part of the minutes of the meeting.

7. Quorum. A quorum for any meeting of the members shall be four (4) voting members.

8. Liabilities of members. No person who is now, or who is later becomes, a member of this church shall be personally liable to its creditors for any indebtedness of liability, and any and all creditors of this church shall look only to the assets of the church for payment.

III BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The church shall have seven (7) Directors and collectively they shall be known as the Board of Directors. The number may be changed only by amendment of the church, or by amendment of this Bylaw, or by the repeal of this Bylaw and adoption of a new Bylaw, by the vote or written assent of the members entitled to exercise a majority of the voting power, or the vote of a majority of the voting members present at a meeting of members duly called at which a quorum is present, and not otherwise, but at no time shall the number of Directors be reduced to less than three (3).

1. Powers of Directors. Subject to limitations of other sections of the Bylaws, and of California law, all corporate powers of the church shall be controlled by the Board of Directors. Without limiting the general powers the Board of Directors shall have the following powers;

(a) To select and remove all the other officers, agents and employees of the church, prescribe such powers and duties for them as may not be inconsistent with law, or the Bylaws, fix their compensation, and require from them security for faithful service.

(b) To conduct, manage, and control the affairs and business of the church, and to make rules and regulations not inconsistent with law, or the Bylaws.

© To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the church, and for that purpose to cause to be executed and delivered, in the church name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecation, or other evidence of debt and securities.

2. Election and Term of Office. Except as provided below for the initial terms of the first directors, the term of office of each director of this church shall be three (3) years or until his successor is elected. Successors for directors whose terms of office are then expiring shall be elected at the annual meeting of the members in the year such terms expire. A director may succeed himself in off ice.

3. Meetings. (a) The Board shall hold regular meetings at such time and. place as may from time to time be designated by resolutions of the Board, and all meetings shall be open to the membership. (b) A quorum shall consist of four (4) Directors.

4. Termination of Board Membership. Any Director who fails to attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the Board without prior approval of a majority of the Board of Directors shall cease to be a Director and at the fourth such regular meeting his office shall be declared vacant and filled as in these Bylaws provided however, that if at such fourth meeting evidence is presented establishing that the absence was necessitated by good cause, a majority of the Directors, excluding the vote of the subject Director, may waive the provisions of this section.

IV OFFICERS

1. Numbers and Titles. The officers of the church shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer and such other officers as may be designated and appointed from time to time by the Board.

2. Qualification, Election, and Term of Office. The President, Vice President, and Secretary shall be elected by the Board of Directors from among its members at the first Board meeting in each calendar year. Such officers shall serve until their successors are elected and installed. The reasurer shall be appointed by the Board from the membership of the church and shall serve at the discretion of the Board.

3. Duties of President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the members of this church and of the Board of Directors. He shall be an ex officio member of any Standing Committees, except the nominating committee. He shall represent the church on all appropriate occasions.

4. Duties of Vice President. The Vice President shall act in the place of the President during the latter's absence and shall perform such other duties as may be imposed by law, or by these Bylaws, or as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

5. Duties of Secretary. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of the transactions of all business meetings of the members of this church and of the Board of Directors. He shall be responsible for posting notice, and notifying members by mail, of all meetings and affairs to be voted on. He shall maintain a member-ship book of all members of the church together with the address and voting qualification of each, and shall record therein the fact and date of termination, if any, of the membership of any such member. He shall also perform such other duties as may be imposed by law, or by these Bylaws, or as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

6. Duties of Treasurer. (a) The Treasurer shall: (i) Receive and safely keep all money and other property of the church entrusted to his care, and shall disburse the same under the direction of the Board of Directors; (ii) Render a statement at the annual meeting of members and at such other times as may be requested by the Board. The annual statement shall be audited and certified as provided in Section V of these Bylaws; (iii) Keep a complete account of the finances of the church on books which shall be and remain the property of the church and which shall be open for inspection at any reasonable time by the Directors; (iv) Perform such other duties as may be imposed by law, or by these Bylaws, or as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

(b) The Treasurer may, with approval of the Board, appoint an Assistant Treasurer, but such appointee shall not be an officer of the church.

© The Treasurer shall be required to be bonded at the expense of the church, and the Assistant Treasurer, if any, shall likewise be bonded at the expense of the church, if the Board so requires.

V RECORDS, REPORTS, AND SEAL

The church shall keep at its principal office, or at such other place as the Board of Directors may order, a book of minutes of all meetings of Directors and of all annual and business meetings of members, with the time and place of holding, whether regular of special, and, if special, how authorized, the notice given, the names of those present at Directors' meetings, the number of members present at members' meetings, and the proceedings thereof,

1. Books of Account. The church shall keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of its properties and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses.

2. Records Available to Assessor. On request of an assessor, the church shall make available at its principal office in California or at a place mutually acceptable to the assessor and to the church a true copy of usiness records relevant to the amount, cost, and value of property, subject to local assessmnt, which it owns claims, possesses, or controls within the county.

3. Inspection of Records by Directors. The books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any Director. Every Director shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, documents of every kind, and the physical properties of the church. Such inspection may be made in person or by agent or attorney, and the right of inspection includes the right to make extracts.

4. Annual Report and Financial Statement. The Board of Directors may provide for the preparation and submission to the members a written annual report including a financial statement. Such report shall summarize the church's activities for the preceding year and activities projected for the forth-coming year; the financial statement shall consist of a balance sheet as of the close of business of the church fiscal year, contain a summary of receipts and disbursements, be prepared in such a manner and form as is sanctioned by sound accounting practices, and be certified by the President, Secretary, Treasurer, or a Certified Public Accountant.

5. Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may adopt, use, and at will alter a corporate seal, which shall be in the form of two concentric circles, the outer containing the words, Universal Life Church, the inner the date of incorporation, May 2, 1962, and the outer also the place of incorporation, Modesto, California. Such seal shall be affixed to all corporate instruments, but failure to affix it shall not affect the validity of any such instrument.

6. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the church shall be from April 30 to April 30.

7. Bylaws. These Bylaws shall become effective immediately on their adoption. Amendments to these Bylaws shall become effective immediately on their adoption unless the Directors in adopting them provide that they are to become effective at a later date.

Amendments

(a) Subject to any provisions of law applicable to the amendment of Bylaws of nonprofit corporations, these Bylaws, or any of them, may be altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws adopted, at any annual or special meeting of the members by a quorum of the voting members present and voting, provided the amendment is first proposed in the manner set forth in paragraph (b) hereof and provided the notice of the meeting referred to in said paragraph mailed to the membership as provided in section III of these Bylaws sets forth the proposed amendment in full.

(b) Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed (i) by the Board of Directors on its own motion; or (ii) by the petition of at least five (5) voting members presented to the Board at a Board meeting not less than thirty (30) days before the membership meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be presented. The proposed amendments must, however, be voted on at the meeting at which it is presented.

9. Certification and Inspection. The original, or a copy, of the bylaws as amended or otherwise altered to date, certified by the Secretary of the church, shall be recorded and kept in a book which shall be kept in the principal office of the church, and such book shall be open to inspection by the voting members at all reasonable times during office hours. All official church documents shall be prepared in duplicate, the original kept in a safe place in the principal office f the church, the duplicates to be filed as the Secretary directs.

The ULC Logo is our symbol of identification and is placed on all of the church's literature. We are very proud of our logo. It tells everyone that "We Are One" family. It represents all the people of the world. We have had many comments on it over the years. Many of our churches have seals made using our logo and put it on their literature. Some have it put on a Rubber Stamp. Show your participation in the church, display our Logo. What is an association? It's a group of people collectively together as a body of persons, 3 or more, elected by the State corporations, schools, or colleges to examine, judge, reprove, or reject any such document they so desire. They approve and put their seal upon it.

We, the Universal Life Church, as a body of people, agree to set up an association with our Board, as the judging and examining, proving or unapproving body of any such document that so be presented.

The Accrediting Association will examine and look at any document that anyone would want to have accredited. The document must be religious in nature.

The Accrediting Association will not consider accrediting anything that is of a school which is governed by the state. All our degrees are accredited.

The Universal Life Church realized and understands that there are many people writing books and giving out degrees. Some would like the Universal Life Church to put the accrediting seal upon such documents. We would be happy to consider any such notion. For more information write to; The Accrediting Association. Universal Life Church 601 Third St. Modesto, CA 95351.

The Universal Life Church has many ministers who believe in the healing by laying on of hands.

Some also believe in praying while performing the laying on of hands. This is a ministry all it's own! If you do this, more power to you.

Now, we must realize that whatever type of healing we are talking about, if you go too far you will have the medical profession on you.

We think the greatest factors in healing the body is a good positive atmosphere, activity, exercise, good eating, and keeping your mind as clean and as clear as you possibly can. All those factors will help the body stay in pretty good shape. What kind of healing does the Universal Life Church teach? All of it and more!

COUNSELING

Pastoral counseling is an important part of your work as a ULC minister. it is legal in every state or ordained ministers to give religious advise to members of their congregations, but, religious problems are not the only ones encountered. Because so many of our ministers had expressed interest in the field of counseling, the ULC instituted the Soul Clinic concept ten years ago. A Soul Clinic is a center where specially trained and licensed ULC ministers do counseling, that in the broadest sense deal with the problems of the Soul.

Health problems that are obviously physical illness or injury should, of course, be referred to a medical doctor. Even those you think might be neurotic symptoms (headaches, allergies, etc.) should not be directly treated in the Soul Clinic. However, you can help a person improve his general health through preventive measures, that may also help with specific ailments. For example, you might teach clients yoga or relaxation techniques, or something about nutrition, since poor diet is a major cause of poor health. Also, since the health of the body reflects the condition of the soul, tell them that help with other problems and tensions will probably also be manifested in better health. Also, in this area we will consider certain kinds of drug problems.

Soul Clinics should be aware and prepared to encounter them and to either be able to help or to know where help is available.

Financial problems are of several kinds. First there are those people who are really down and out, who can't pay their bills, don't seem to be able to buy enough food for their families, or at least can't give their children any toys or even small luxuries. Then, there are people who make a decent enough living but don't consider themselves successful be-cause they aren't keeping up with the Jones'; they want a bigger car, bigger house, more gadgets, or whatever. Finally, there are those people who have some kind of a goal or dream like buying a farm, starting a business, opening a school or church, but, don't seem to be able to get the money to get it off the ground.

In other words, some people need to learn how to make more money or to spend more wisely, others need to learn how to limit their desires or do more things for themselves, others need to learn the secrets of financial success.

Sexual problems will be the hardest for a person to admit or talk about. From the first description, fighting too much with wife for example, they might appear to be marriage problems, since the two are so closely related. Of course, a person does not have to be married to have sex problems-. We are not here to moralize or give "Dear Abbie" kinds of advice.

However, sometimes a casual attitude can cause sex to be unfulfilling or unsatisfying, or a person may be using it as a substitute for his need to be loved.

Family problems, problems with partners, parent-child problems, brother and sister problems cover probably the largest area. The problem may be inharmonious relations, personality conflicts, or power battles. Sometimes parents don't know how to keep their child out of trouble, how to teach him self-discipline, what to say about sex, how to get him to tell the truth. arriage partners may mutually exist in an atmosphere of hostility, may be beginning to think their marriage is a mistake, but, not know how or be afraid to get out of it. Any member of the family may feel unloved, unwanted, unappreciated. In most cases, a problem involving two or more people is their problem and all of them should be treated together if possible.

Social problems - trouble relating to society, to the law or the system, not knowing how to talk to strangers, making friends, feeling lonely and unwanted. They feel that everyone takes advantage of them, that they can't trust people.

Loneliness is especially a problem for older people, or those who are divorced or widowed.

Emotional problems may in fact be behind any of the others, but, sometimes they present themselves more directly. Inability to control one's temper; irrational fears; crying easily over the slightestfrustration in one's plans. Many people consider that they just are 'more sensitive' than others or ave 'strong emotions' or that it's because of my horoscope sign. In other words, they see unstable emotions as something they were born with, rather than as a habitual behavior pattern that causes them problems, that can and should be changed. Work or role problems. So few jobs today are really satisfying. Work is fragmented, boring, repetitious, does not make a person feel worthwhile. This is not necessarily financial. Some people make good money but hate their jobs.

Some highly educated people are so specialized they know nothing about life outside their field, can't do anything for themselves. This area also covers women's problems, especially as women become more conscious of the role that has been imposed on them and become dissatisfied with household chores and child raising as the only outlets for their talents.

For children and adolescents, problems in this area deal with school; many are feeling frustrated, feel it is boring,resort to truancy even though it may mean jail.

Past, guilt, future or anxiety problems. We can consider these together, as dwelling either in the past or the future prevents a person from living fully in the present. A person can learn from his past, of course, and must have goals and plans for the future.

But, there are people who cannot adjust to change or to losses and look back on the 'good ol days', wishing that times didn't change. Or they may have regrets or guilt, if only I had done it differently, constantly going over old tapes and trying to rewrite them.

Future problems are of two kinds. First, there are those people who are doing all right now, but, instead of enjoying it, use their energy worrying about losing their possessions of loved ones, or if something is going wrong. Or they have problems in the present and try to escape them by dreaming of the future, when the children are grown, as soon as my boat comes in, etc. There are also people with legitimate concerns about the future, trying to decide on reasonable plans and goals, who need help or guidance. Often, these concerns overlap the problem of identity. The problem of identity is one that not everyone is aware of. Many people go through life, following the patterns or 'scripts' set up for them by society or their parents and never ask,

'Who am I? Where am I going? What do I want to become?' Yet other people, often those with more than the average self-awareness, are not satisfied with the name-rank-and-serial-number answers. They find that the many roles they are playing begin to feel 'phony', or they see many different personalities within themselves and wonder which one is real. In a sense, these people are closer to finding and realizing their fullest potential as human beings than those who do not ask, but, often they have to go through some very painful and confusing stages in the process, especially when the people closest to them are unable to understand or sympathize because they have never gone through it themselves.

Religious problems are the final area we will consider and may well be the most common problems in many Soul Clinics. Because many people are finding hypocrisy and contradictions in the religious teachings of their parents they often react initially by rejecting religion entirelor switching to a radically different religion as an act of rebellion. And yet the need to understand themselves and the universe, and the desire to discover the way it came into being and especially the fact of death which all living things face, continues to bring them back to the eternal religious questions. How to decide which of the many different and contradictory answers is the truth, How to have faith, What to do if you don't have it, What is God or is there a God ... Still other people appear to reject the old teachings, but, retain feelings of guilt and fear from the moral standards they were indoctrinated with.

This often creates conflicts between what seems to be making them happy and what is supposed to make them happy. Others go from one religious sect to another, searching for the promises of salvation and joy, but, never satisfied with what they find. The Soul Clinic can serve a unique function in this area. Secular psychologists and psychiatrists often are not sympathetic to these kinds of problems, perhaps because they haven't tried to figure them out themselves.

Most ministers, on the other hand, treat such problems by trying to indoctrinate the person into the beliefs of the church they represent. The Soul Clinic counselor will have studied a wide variety or religious beliefs and doctrines as well as his own; thus he will be able to see the unityamong them as well as the differences, and can help people find their own truth.

The attitude of the counselor toward the client is the most important part of the therapy. The counselor toward the client is the most important part of the therapy. The counselor must get involved, care, respect and trust the client as a person, give 'warm strokes', be loving. The more you can think of the other person as yourself, get into his shoes, understand where he is coming from, the more you can help him. This is in contrast with the traditional psychiatric approach where the therapist stays aloof and uninvolved.

Most of the persons 'hang-ups', problems, and negative emotions are habits he has acquired in his life rather than inborn characteristics. They can be changed. But, a person can only change or be helped to change when he admits that he has a problem and decides that he wants to do something about it. You cannot help a person who won't help himself.

The most basic decision a person makes is whether he will be a winner or a loser in life, his self image, his way of confronting the Universe. A loser isn't aware that he had decided to be a loser. He might say that he tries but things always go wrong, that people take advantage of him, etc. He has good ideas but never seems to be able to manifest them. We believe that everyone can be a winner and that you as a ULC pastor can help members of your congregation or others to overcome their problems. As Reverend Hensley says, "We are all born to be kings, but, some of us lose the desire."

A minister might be called upon to help a person write a will, especially when the testator (the person who makes the will) wants to donate all or part of his or her legacy to the church. Therefore, every minister should have some knowledge of the laws that apply to such donations and the proper ways to set up and handle a will.

The Universal Life Church offers a course in American Church Law and Parliamentary Procedure that also includes basic information on wills. The course, which leads to a Doctorate of Religious Humanities is available for a minimum donation of $40.00.

Any property involved in the will should be accurately described and located. The interest in the property should also be included, together with the full names and addresses of the recipients.

As executor (a person or corporation appointed by the testator to carry out the provisions of the will) the testator should name someone in whom he has the utmost confidence. A good practice would be to nominate two executors, for example a close friend or relative who can be trusted. Care should also be taken in selecting those who are to witness the will, as they may have to testify in court after the testor's death.

If you, as pastor of the congregation are called upon to help in writing the will in which your church is the beneficiary, you cannot sign the will as a witness. It is generally provided by statute that a bequest to a subscribing witness shall be void.

The term if undue influence means that someone induces the testator to dispose of his property in a way which he would not have done, had he been left free to act according to his own wishes. if such influence is proved in court, the instrument will be upset.

However, mere advice, argument or persuasion, which do not deprive the testator of his mental freedom, are not considered undue influence. To probate a will means to prove before some officer or tribunal, authorized by law, that the document offered is the last will and testament of he deceased person whose act it is alleged to be; that it has been executed, attested, and published as required by law, and that the testator was of sound and disposing mind. In short, when a will is probated its validity is established. Until a will is duly probated or proved, courtswill not recognize any powers of the one named in the will as executor, nor anyone claiming under the will such as a devisee or legatee. Where probate is refused, it is presumed that the deceased died intestate (without a will).

As to the testator's capacity, he must in the language of the law, have a sound and disposing mind and memory. In other words, he ought to be capable of making his will with an understanding of the nature of the business in which he is engaged, etc. This does not mean that he should be able to view his will with the eye of a lawyer. It is sufficient if he understands the lements of the will and the disposition of his property in its simple forms.

THE CHAPLAIN'S CORP

We have many Chaplains in many parts of the service. Rev. Robert V. Fike, Ph.D., was appointed as the first Universal Life Church Chaplain to the Civil Air Patrol, an Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. His appointment was made effective on August 1, 1979, with the rank of Captain. Chaplain Fike's appointment represents another step forward for the Universal Life Church in gaining recognition among the more established denominations. We believe Chaplain Fike's appointment will encourage others of our ministry to seek appointments also. Civilian clergy accepted into membership as CAP Chaplains provide the unique professional leader-ship and guidance in the religious life, morale, and morals of all CAP membership. They are key members of CAP. They implement and execute the chaplain program to people of all faiths.

Applicants must be actively engaged full time in their religious vocation at the time of appointment and have the professional experience required by their denomination. Only duly ordained clergy with U.S. citizenship may be authorized to serve as CAP Chaplains. An ecclesiastical endorsement must be issued by International Headquarters which we are happy to do.

If you are interested in the Chaplain's Corp we suggest that you write to the National Chaplain, HQ, CAP/HC, Maxwell A.F.B., Alabama 36112 and request a copy of CAPP 265 - 1, "The Chaplaincy". This booklet gives the story of the CAP and the relation-ship of the Chaplain to it, and also where, when, and how to apply for appointment.

SOCIAL SECURITY

If a minister receives a salary, monetary retribution, for his services this income is taxable and subject to Social Security tax.

Ministers of the Universal Life Church have been granted exemption from Social Security taxes, but, it has been a very arbitrary decision. Some have received exemption and others have not. We have not been able to determine the formula used for deciding which ministers will receive exemption and which will not.

If a minister has deep conscientious or religious convictions about participation in the Social Security program he can seek exemption.

To request this exemption, file form 3461 with the Internal Revenue Service by the due date of the return for the second taxable year. Services performed in the exercise of the ministry are covered on a self-employed basis.

For further information on this subject please contact your local Social Security office nearest you.

MALPRACTICE

Malpractice insurance for the clergy is gaining in popularity mainly because society has generally become more litigation conscious. Fifteen or twenty years ago ministers were primarily concerned with spiritual matters, but, today more are into the holistic approach, counseling in the spiritual as well as physiological aspects and are subject to suits. The United Methodist Church once announced that 6,000 of its churches now carry malpractice insurance. The United Presbyterian Church recently offered malpractice protection to its clergy through Preferred Risk Mutual Insurance Company of Des Moines, Iowa. The Church Mutual Insurance Company is also offering this special coverage.

If you feel the need to carry malpractice insurance, contact your insurance agent to find out what is available for you.

MINISTERIAL DISCOUNTS

Ministers are entitled to many discounts from retail agencies. Among these are discounts on public transportation, i.e., buses, trains, air travel, etc., department store discounts, food discounts, discount rates for many amusement parks, and the list goes on. The minister may obtain discounts on his own. Check around, you might be surprised at what you will find.

THE "ULC NEWS"

One of the most important things we have never pushed or made any drive to until now is our newspaper. It is supposed to come out about four times a year, and we are planning to push it even harder. Subscribe today. It only costs $5 for a one year subscription. KEEP THE NEWS ALIVE! SUBSCRIBE!

Rev. Hensley believes that the world that was, is the same world that is. But, when you ride through the country you will see the mountains and valleys have all been up-rooted and changed. I feel this world has been around a long time. Some scientists say it's been here about 50 billion years.

I think the eternal being, which is you, has no beginning and certainly has no end. I also believe that the eternal being has been here long before the up-rising of the planet, and they have seen this world go through many changes. Now, man has become an animal in nature. He has lost a lot of his knowledge of the world that was. I speak of the world that was, even before Adam's time. Many of the animals that roamed this Earth millions of years ago, are gone. We see from this, that the world that was has went through many changes. And it looks like it is going to go through another big change. I hope you understand some of the things I'm saying about the world that was.

We hear Paul in the book of Ephesians - having your understanding lost. They don't know where they are coming from, and they don't understand. We have lost our power of god. Man was a God. He could do anything a God can do. He lost the power in the old world.

I say that the ignorance is in the animal blood that flows through your veins. I think you will begin to understand the world that was. That world that was, brings us down to about the time of the birth of Jesus, about 1900 years ago.

We have just been studying the world that was. Now, we are looking at the world that is now. I believe it started about 2,000 years ago, when Jesus was born King of the Jews.

You see, the Old Testament often spoke of the world to come saying that a King would be born. Jesus taught and told that he was that King. I ask the question - was he the King? I would like to quote you a verse of scripture found in the book of Ephesians that says - having the eyes of our understanding being enlightened, that we might know of the things that are freely given to us. Here are the things that will bring you out of the darkness.

First and above all, let me quote you a verse of scripture that is found in the book of Galatians 4:1 - as long as we remain a child we differ nothing from a servant. The Christian world believes they are servants of Jesus and God. They have never read the verse of scripture found in the book of Acts 17:25 - "Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;"

Listen to what he said in the Roman letter. He said - nothing can separate us from God. Nothing. We are God's children. You may not know it, but, you are. Do you really believe that your Heavenly Father is going to stand by and see some Devil take you away? No! Neither life nor death will separate you when you die. You won't be separated. We have just looked at the world that was and the world that is. Now, we are looking at the world to come. We have just been through the Democratic Convention. They are predicting the beginning of the world to come.

The church conventions around the country are predicting the world to come. Most of them believe in the Western world, that Jesus will come and set up a new world order. It looks like Ross Perot will enter back into the race. He is saying that neither Democrats or Republicans are offering the people a better way.

I say that we have had these old ways too long.

We need something new.

Here are some of the things the Bible talks about. In the book of Hebrews we find Paul saying that some have tasted of the powers of the world to come. Paul also said in the book of Colossians that he had the last message for the world that is. We also hear him telling the Ephesians, speaking of the world to come. He said that we have put all things under our feet. We will have mastered death. Every disease know to man will be put under our feet.

We find in Hebrews 2:5 that he did not put the world to come in the hands of Angels, but, he put it under the power and in the hands of man.

Man now, is going through a miraculous change. Men and women are looking and seeking a better way of life. Some of them have found that they are the children of the world to come.

Scientists today, are building things and looking at the world to come. They are now building a telescope that will be able to see farther than any man has seen before.

They want to know what's out there. Many people believe there is life on other planets, but, we have no proof.

Scientists are also building an Atom smasher in Texas. They hope this will give them more answers to the Atom, which is the building block of all life.

From a religious stand point, I believe what Peter said - that the time would come when people have a divine nature. Some men call it super-natural, but, I call it natural because it's invisible,but, the invisible can be natural.

I believe the first Adam was an invisible man.

Eve was also invisible I believe. I also believe they did not have blood in their bodies as man does today. 'Rev. Hensley, that's too far out, that's crazy".

I believe the Bible meant exactly what it said in Genesis 3:15 where it says that God would put enmity between the woman's seed and the devil's seed. I believe the serpent's seed has dominated and ruled the world for almost 6,000 years.

I say the flesh of a woman or her seed, is coming forth. I see more women preaching in the churches than ever before. I see more women in politics that were ever know of before now.

If you watched the Republican Convention, you saw Barbara Bush speaking and how she handled the crowd was beyond any expectations. We know that the woman's seed is corning forth.

I believe that within the next 10 years or less, somebody will find the material substance that willreplace the blood that flows through our veins, that carries all the diseases and bugs that kills us We do see the door opening into the world to come.

I think the new world will be exactly like it is now, but, everything better! I know you noticed the back of this book, It say what life is. Freedom, food and sex. That is what you are going to have in this new world order - Freedom around the world. Without freedom, nothing else means very much of anything.

If you have studied this book completely and feel that you would like to become an Ambassador, You will need to answer the questions below yes-no,

1. Does the church have a Board?
2. Does the ULC minister have the same rights as any other Ordained Minister ?
3. Can a church be in a home?
4. Does a congregation have to have a Board of Directors ?
5. Does the church have a newsletter?
6. Can a minister marry people?
7. Does the church offer degrees?
8. Did the U.S. Court rule in favor of the Universal Life Church?
9. Does the church have a "new bible for the 21st Century"?
10. How long has the church existed?
11. Does the church have materials?
12. Does the ULC have bylaws?
13. Does the Universal Life Church have an accrediting association?
14. Can a minister counsel others?
15. Does the Universal Life Church have chaplains in the services?

Since you have finished these questions, tear out the page and mail it back to International Headquarters 601 Third St. Modesto, CA 95351. We will send to you a letter like he one on the back of this page. When mailing in your questions, you should also write a brief message to us about this book and tell us how you feel.

To whom it may concern;

Rev. John J. Jones has met all requirements and has studied the "Universal" book and is now qualified as Ambassador of the Universal Life Church. The duty of Ambassador is to teach the "Universal" book to others and to help set up and organize other groups. This letter is granted by the Universal Life Church and will stand behind you, as Ambassador, as long as he/she teaches and represents this book to others. This does not give anyone authority over any other Universal Life Church Minister. But, it does give him/ her the right and authority to help other ministers.

We, the Universal Life Church, feel this man/woman to be now qualified as Ambassador, to help lead this church into the 21st century. If anyone has questions about the Ambassador, who bears this letter, feel free to call International Headquarters.

Rev. Kirby Hensley
President, ULC