I grew up in a family of ministers, including my mother, and her parents before her. Seminary was not a requirement for the ministry, so I didn't think twice about getting my ordination papers from the Universal Life Church (although I also am otherwise degreed). That was long before the The Monastery’s split from the original ULC in Modesto, CA.
Many that I have known (since childhood) have ministered without an "official" church ordination, while others have been papered through their particular church affiliation. Even so, my family has always believed that ministers are called by grace, with or without papers. However, in Louisiana (where I live), you need papers to register with the local courts to officiate at weddings, so my papers have been helpful in that regard.
The Internet was fairly new, at least the World Wide Web (www), when I received my ULC ordination. Indeed, the first browser for public access had only been introduced in 1993. When I discovered online ordination from a family member, I immediately followed through. Everything online was a novelty then, including ordination, so I never hesitated —particularly since I shared with the ULC then (as I do now) a strong commitment toward doing that which is right.
I have primarily officiated at weddings for friends, friends of friends, and acquaintances who want more than a justice of the peace presiding, but less than a full-blown church wedding —often for people estranged from their church, or perhaps simply not religiously affiliated, yet not without faith or spirituality. And, because the ULC encourages interfaith coexistence without respect to one belief system over another, I am able to officiate for a broader community than I might otherwise.
I work closely with each couple to create a meaningful service that suits their beliefs (or non-beliefs) and desires. Most of these weddings (though not all) have sought a balance between the religious and the secular, attesting to the couples desire to seek greater blessings on their rites than they would find in an absolute civil ceremony. Indeed, most of these couples have some belief in the divine, and most have come to their beliefs after thoughtful consideration over many years —however those beliefs might differ from the predominant strains in our communities.
I've another wedding at which to officiate coming up within the month. It will be held at the public gazebo on the Mississippi River in historic Natchez. I officiated at their commitment service three years ago, and they are back to tie the official knot now. I am honored to be asked to officiate again.
