List of ministers of the Universal Life Church

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The Universal Life Church (or ULC) is a religious organization that offers anyone semi-immediate ordination as a ULC minister free of charge. The organization states that anyone can become a minister immediately, without having to go through the pre-ordination process required by other religious faiths. The ordination application, however, must be checked by a human in order to be official; therefore, true ordination usually takes a few days. The ULC's ordinations are issued in the belief that all people are already ordained by God and that the ULC is merely recognizing this fact.

Contents

The following is a list of notable people who have been ordained as ministers in the Universal Life Church.

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

A

Eric Anzalone EricVP.jpg
Eric Anzalone
NameKnown forCitations
Adele Singer/songwriter [1]
Eric Anzalone Singer/actor/author member of the Village People [2]
Lewis Ashmore Author [3]

B

NameKnown forCitations
Glenn Beck American conservative political commentator [4]
Susan Block American sexologist, author, filmmaker, therapist, cable TV talk show host and cultural commentator [5]
Richard Branson English businessman, investor and founder of Virgin Group [6]
David Byrne Scottish musician, and a founding member and principal songwriter of the American new wave band Talking Heads [7]

C

Stephen Colbert Stephen Colbert December 2017.jpg
Stephen Colbert
NameKnown forCitations
Cyd Charisse American actress and dancer [8]
Stephen Colbert American comedian, writer, producer, actor, media critic, and television host [9]
Bryan Cranston American actor [10]
Benedict Cumberbatch Actor from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [11]

D

NameKnown forCitations
Tony Danza American actor [12]
Michael Dowd American lecturer [13]
John C. Dvorak American columnist and broadcaster in the areas of technology and computing [14]
Rob Dyrdek American professional skateboarder, actor, entrepreneur, producer, and reality TV star. [15]

E

Joseph Maldonado-Passage Joe Exotic (Santa Rose County Jail).png
Joseph Maldonado-Passage
NameKnown forCitations
Joseph Maldonado-Passage American former zoo operator, convicted felon and focus of the 2020 documentary Tiger King . [16]

F

NameKnown forCitations
Guy Fieri Chef and TV host [11]
Bobby Flay Chef and TV host [17]

G

Shaenon K. Garrity Shaenon garrity.JPG
Shaenon K. Garrity
NameKnown forCitations
Shaenon K. Garrity American webcomics writer, artist and creator of Narbonic [18]
Jim Goad American author and publisher [19]
Kathy Griffin American actress, comedian, writer, producer and television host [20] [4]
Jonathan Groff American actor [21]

H

George Harrison George Harrison 1974 (cropped).jpg
George Harrison
NameKnown forCitations
Tom Hanks Actor [11] [1]
George Harrison English musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, and music and film producer who achieved international fame as a member of The Beatles [9] [22]
Andre Hensley Third President of the Universal Life Church [23]
Kirby J. Hensley Founder of the Universal Life Church [24] [25]
Lida Hensley Second President of the Universal Life Church [24]
Jonah Hill Actor [1]
Brett HinchActor and Author[5]
Jesse Hughes American singer, musician and multi-instrumentalist. Frontman of the rock band Eagles of Death Metal. [26]

J

Jesse James Jesse G James USAF.jpg
Jesse James
Lyndon B. Johnson 37 Lyndon Johnson 3x4.jpg
Lyndon B. Johnson
NameKnown forCitations
Jesse James American television personality and former CEO of Austin, Texas-based Austin Speed Shop [27]
Lindsay Jones Voice actor, Achievement Hunter and on-screen personality at Rooster Teeth [28]
Dwayne Johnson Actor and former professional wrestler [11]
Lyndon B. Johnson Was the 36th president of the United States, serving from 1963 to 1969. He became president after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, under whom he had served as the 37th vice president from 1961 to 1963. [29]

[30]

K

Jared Kushner Jared Kushner June 2019.jpg
Jared Kushner
NameKnown forCitations
Theo Katzman American musician and member of Vulfpeck [31]
Jimmy Kimmel TV host [11]
John Krasinski Actor from America who played Jim Halpert on The Office [32]
Carson Kressley American fashion expert with the television program Queer Eye for the Straight Guy [33]
Jared Kushner Trump’s Orthodox Jewish son-in-law claims to have been ordained; and a spokesperson for the ulc.org confirmed that Kushner is, in fact, ordained by ULC - according to usatoday.com [34]

L

NameKnown forCitations
Lady Gaga American singer and songwriter [9]
Leo Laporte American technology broadcaster, author and entrepreneur [14]
John Lennon English musician, singer and songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as a founding member of the rock band The Beatles [9] [22]
Courtney Love American alternative rock singer, songwriter, musician, actress, visual artist, and widow of Kurt Cobain [35]

M

Alanis Morissette Morissette.jpg
Alanis Morissette
NameKnown forCitations
Paul McCartney English singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer who gained worldwide fame as a member of The Beatles [9] [22]
Fancy Ray McCloney Stand-up comedian [37]
Ian McKellen English actor [38]
Alanis Morissette Singer [36]

N

NameKnown forCitations
Michael Newdow American Atheist, attorney and emergency medicine physician [39]
Gavin Newsom American politician and current Governor of California [40]
Stevie Nicks American singer-songwriter [41]

O

Madalyn Murray O'Hair Madalyn Murray O'Hair.jpg
Madalyn Murray O'Hair
NameKnown forCitations
Conan O'Brien American television host, comedian, writer, producer and voice actor [42] [43]
Madalyn Murray O'Hair American atheist activist and founder of American Atheists, Inc. [44]

P

NameKnown forCitations
Mike Park Korean American musician and progressive activist [45]
MatPat American actor, writer, and Youtuber [46]
Anthony Perkins American actor, director and singer ("Norman Bates" in Psycho, 1960, which established him as a horror icon) [47]
Jeff Probst American game show host and an executive producer of Survivor . [48]

R

Felipe Rose Village People-Indian.jpg
Felipe Rose
NameKnown forCitations
Jerry Reinsdorf American CPA, lawyer and an owner of the NBA's Chicago Bulls and the MLB's Chicago White Sox [49]
Joan Rivers Actress [1] [17]
Kyle Roche American lawyer [50]
John Roderick Lead singer and guitarist of the indie rock band The Long Winters, podcaster [51]
Felipe Rose Founding member of the disco group the Village People [2]

S

NameKnown forCitations
John Scalzi American science fiction author, online writer, and former president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America [52]
Jason Segel American actor and comedian [4]
Michael Shermer American science writer, historian of science, executive director of The Skeptics Society, and founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, a publication focused on investigating pseudoscientific and supernatural claims [53]
Kevin Smith American screenwriter, actor, film producer, speaker and director, as well as popular comic book writer, author, comedian/raconteur and podcaster [54] [4]
Gus Sorola Video producer, actor and podcaster with Rooster Teeth [55]
Ivan Stang American writer, filmmaker and broadcaster, and Sacred Scribe with the Church of the SubGenius [56]
Ringo Starr English drummer, singer, songwriter and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles [9]
Mink Stole Actress [57] [58]
Sharon Stone Sharon Stone is an American actress and film producer; she is the recipient of various accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a nomination for an Academy Award. She was named Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in France in 2005 (Commander in 2021). [59]
Vermin Supreme American performance artist and activist [60]
Ron Suresha American author and activist [61]

T

NameKnown forCitations
George Takei American actor, director, author, and activist [9]
Mickey Thomas American singer for Starship [62]

V

NameKnown forCitations
Vanilla Ice American rapper, actor and television host [9]

W

Danny Wallace Danny Wallace.JPG
Danny Wallace
NameKnown forCitations
Danny Wallace British filmmaker, comedian, writer, actor and presenter of radio and television [63]
John Waters American film director, screenwriter, actor, stand-up comedian, journalist, visual artist and art collector [64]
Jane Wiedlin American musician, singer-songwriter and actress with The Go-Go's [65]
Mike Williams American singer for Eyehategod and former associate editor for Metal Maniacs [66]
Wolfman Jack American disc jockey [67]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Wolfson, Sam (April 4, 2018). "The wedding singer: Adele and the rise of celebrity ministers". The Guardian. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  2. 1 2 Hallett, Stephanie (November 12, 2011). "Village People: Vegas Wedding Officiated by Group Members". HuffPost . Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  3. ↑ Hensley, Kirby J. (1986). The Buffer Zone. Universal Life Church. ASIN   B00071NQX0.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Ari Karpel (December 10, 2010). "Elvis Has Left the Chapel". New York Times . Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  5. ↑ Hinch, Brett (January 10, 2016). "Brett Hinch". IMBd. Archived from the original on September 3, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Sir Richard Branson To Conduct Wedding On SFO-LAS Flight... And Then…". AERO News. October 10, 2007. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  7. ↑ Byrne, David (October 3, 2010). "10.30.10: By the Power Vested In Me". Archived from the original on September 19, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  8. ↑ "Cyd Charisse (1922-2008)". The Final Curtain Call... September 16, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sankin, Aaron (April 3, 2015). "Inside the Universal Life Church, the internet's one true religion". New York: The Week. Archived from the original on December 30, 2015. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  10. ↑ Halle, Howard (March 4, 2009). "The Hot Seat: Bryan Cranston". TimeOut . Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Cellania, Miss (July 20, 2016). "12 Celebrities Who Have Officiated Weddings". mental_floss. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  12. ↑ Archibold, Patrick (November 17, 2010). "Tony Danza: Shut Up About God Already!!". Creative Minority Report. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Michael Dowd presentations chronological". www.thegreatstory.org. Archived from the original on December 14, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  14. 1 2 "Episode 121". MP3. AOL Radio/TWIT. November 12, 2007. Archived from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Rob Dyrdek Becomes a Minister, Marries Sister on MTV's Fantasy Factory". PRweb. April 3, 2012. Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2015.
  16. ↑ Mannion, Connor (March 27, 2020). "So Why Exactly Does Joe Exotic Have A Priest Outfit?". Oxygen Official Site. Oxygen Media LLC. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  17. 1 2 Brownie, Marie. "Joan Rivers officiates gay wedding... at her book signing". www.christiantoday.com. Christian Today. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  18. ↑ Garrity, Shaenon. "Narbonic Director's Cut". Shaenon Garrity. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  19. ↑ "Let Me Perform Your Gay Wedding". Thought Catalog. March 29, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  20. ↑ "No joke: NYC couple wed by Kathy Griffin". USA Today. March 10, 2008. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  21. ↑ "A Broadway Star Gets Married on Her Day Off". New York Times. May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  22. 1 2 3 "Celebrities Among Those Applying for ULC Ordinations". The Washington Post. March 21, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  23. ↑ Millegan, Lisa. "Universal Life Church Still Churning Out Ministers". Beliefnet . Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  24. 1 2 "President/Founder". Modesto, California: Universal Life Church. Archived from the original on October 3, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Jesus saves: Become a minister, save on taxes". CBS. April 17, 2011. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Jesse Hughes (Boots Electric), Leader of Eagles of Death Metal Becomes an Ordained Minister with the Universal Life Church | Dec 7, 2012". April 16, 2013. Archived from the original on April 16, 2013. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Jesse James". Yahoo. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  28. ↑ Jones, Lindsay (June 17, 2019). "Thanks for the reminder that I have been an ordained minister for 8 years". Twitter. Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Dormitory residents[...]". utexas.edu . January 23, 1995. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  30. ↑ "[From]Daily Texan Staff[...]". The Daily Texan . January 23, 1995. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  31. ↑ Vulfpeck Live at Bonnaroo , retrieved January 3, 2024
  32. ↑ "John Krasinski and The Office Cast Reunite to Recreate Show's Wedding Dance for Fan's Virtual Nuptial". PEOPLE.com.
  33. ↑ "Marriage, Vegas Style: Asher and Tsiliana". Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Episode 4.2. June 13, 2006.
  34. ↑ "Jared Kushner isn't an 'internet Unitarian,' but he is ordained". USATODAY.com.
  35. ↑ Nowicki, Sue (March 28, 2009). "Out-of-the-ordinary ordinations". Columbia Daily Tribune. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  36. 1 2 "Alanis Morissette". HELLO! . Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  37. ↑ Bream, Jon (March 27, 2020). "Twin Cities TV celeb Fancy Ray celebrates his debut album, 'The Best Looking Man in Comedy'". Star Tribune . Minneapolis-St.Paul. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  38. ↑ Rothman, Lily (March 19, 2013). "Sir Ian McKellen to Marry Sir Patrick Stewart. No, Not like That". Time. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
  39. ↑ Lucas, Greg (March 22, 2004). "Atheist dad ready for date at top court". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on April 16, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  40. ↑ Bernstein, Jacob (October 5, 2012). "Patrick Abner and Thomas Roberts". The New York Times. Retrieved October 5, 2012.
  41. ↑ Madeleine Davies. "Queen Witch Stevie Nicks Officiated a Wedding This Weekend". jezebel.com. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
  42. ↑ "Conan O'Brien Ordained With Universal Life Church to Perform Gay Marriage". PRWeb. November 3, 2011. Archived from the original on November 5, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  43. ↑ Kattalia, Kathryn (November 4, 2011). "Conan O'Brien officiates gay wedding on talk show during New York visit". Daily News. New York. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  44. ↑ Hoesly, Dusty (October 23, 2015). "'Need a Minister? How About Your Brother?': The Universal Life Church between Religion and Non-Religion". Secularism and Nonreligion. 4. doi: 10.5334/snr.be .
  45. ↑ Park, Mike. "Mike Park". Mike Park. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  46. ↑ Patrick, Matthew (October 24, 2016). "MatPat on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  47. ↑ "Actor performs wedding". The Press Democrat . October 14, 1984. pp. 13C. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  48. ↑ "Jeff Probst". US Weekly. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  49. ↑ Chass, Murray (October 22, 2005). "Reinsdorf's Little Secret: Even Enemies Like Him". New York Times. Archived from the original on February 10, 2015. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  50. ↑ "William Clayman, Joshua Handell". The New York Times . August 19, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  51. ↑ Jennings, Ken; Roderick, John (July 18, 2019). "The Church of the SubGenius (Entry 222.AC1605)". Omnibus!. 47 minutes in. HowStuffWorks. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  52. ↑ Scalzi, John (February 23, 2009). "Various and Sundry, 2/23/09". Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  53. ↑ "EQUAL TIME ALL THE TIME FOR EVERYONE". e-Skeptic magazine. Archived from the original on October 15, 2002. Retrieved October 15, 2002. Alt URL
  54. ↑ "SMarried by Kevin Smith". Archived from the original on August 21, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  55. ↑ "DRUNK TANK #94". Rooster Teeth. December 29, 2010. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  56. ↑ "Log: Stang on AOL "CenterStage"". AOL. November 13, 1995. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  57. ↑ "Do Re MiNK - Mink Stole's First CD". Kickstarter. March 27, 2013. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  58. ↑ Sessa, Sam (May 8, 2013). "Q&A; with Mink Stole". Baltimore Sun . Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  59. ↑ "Bad karma bites Sharon Stone". Theguardian. May 19, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2008.
  60. ↑ Supreme, Vermin. "Weddings ' Vermin Supreme 2016". Vermin Supreme. Archived from the original on May 29, 2015. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
  61. ↑ "Ron J. Suresha". Ron Suresha. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  62. ↑ American Top 40 ; April 4, 1987
  63. ↑ Wallace, Danny (June 6, 2006). Yes man. Simon Spotlight Entertainment. ISBN   978-1-4169-1834-9.
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