The Universal Life Church (ULC) defends civil rights and equality in the courts, protecting freedom of belief and identity — particularly for those who hold nontraditional beliefs and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
This work is made possible through the ULC Legal Defense Fund.
What We Do
The ULC was founded on the belief that ‘we are all children of the same universe’, and our legal challenges are an extension of that fundamental philosophy. We are committed to protecting our ministers, and the communities they serve, from religious or belief-based discrimination, and we have championed equality under the law across the country.
The Universal Life Church itself is a non-traditional faith organization, widely known for providing ordination and other religious services via the internet.
The court cases in which we most frequently participate center on the rights of Universal Life Church ministers to perform religious ceremonies, including the solemnization of marriage, under the same laws that apply to ministers of any other established religion.
Why This Work Matters
Through our ULC Legal Defense Fund, we are able to bring legal challenges that confront discrimination, defend civil rights, and bolster equality under the law when belief or identity is targeted. Over the decades, we’ve filed or otherwise participated in dozens of court cases challenging discriminatory laws or policies.
Equal access to government recognition and protection from discrimination are both fundamental to a healthy, inclusive society. We’re proud of the progress that we, alongside many other individuals and organizations, have been able to achieve on these fronts. But the fight is far from over, and those whose civil rights are threatened still need a strong legal defense.
Filing fees, court costs, legal research, and attorney time all require sustained funding. If you believe in equal treatment under the law, we invite you to stand with us and make a recurring contribution to our Legal Defense Fund today. Your contribution directly supports ongoing legal action to defend equality and civil rights. Every dollar donated supports the legal defense efforts of the Universal Life Church on behalf of our ministers and members.
Who We Serve
As an open and inclusive church, the ULC’s ministers often serve communities that are frequent targets of discrimination. This includes LGBTQ+ individuals and families, as well as those who practice nontraditional religions and beliefs. When their right to equal treatment is challenged, the consequences are deeply personal. We all have a responsibility to step up and defend those who are under attack.
If you are a ULC minister, or a member of the broader ULC community, and believe that you have been the target of discrimination, please send us a message at help@ulccaselaw.com and we’ll be happy to review your situation and let you know how we may be able to help.
Featured Court Cases
Since the Universal Life Church was established, it’s been a regular visitor to courtrooms across the country. The attacks against inclusion and equality are only getting stronger and faster. We intend to meet them in court. We have a duty, at this moment in history, to continue defending rights in court and fighting for nondiscrimination. We’ve been at this work for generations, and we’re still going.
Most recently, we filed a lawsuit against government officials in the state of Virginia after ULC ministers there were targets of discrimination and denied their Constitutional rights to believe and practice their faith as they see fit.
You can learn more about this case and other recent legal defense efforts by visiting this page.
Bringing lawsuits like the one in Virginia requires real resources. Without sustained support, our ability to challenge discriminatory laws in court is greatly diminished. You can help ensure that belief and identity are never grounds for discrimination by making a recurring monthly contribution to sustain these ongoing legal defense efforts.
