The Universal Life Church was founded in Modesto, California some 35 years ago by Rev. Kirby J. Hensley. It is a legally recognized church with congregations all over the world. It has a very simple, singular doctrine, similar to the Wiccan Rede -- do that which is right, and every person has the right to interpret what is right for themselves, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the rights of others.  The Universal Life Church recognizes all people, regardless of their beliefs, age, tradition, creed, or nationality. You can belong to another church and the ULC simultaneously, as long as you do that which is right and don’t infringe on the rights of others.

The Universal Life Church offers free legal ordination to anyone who agrees with this fundamental doctrine. Being a legally ordained minister gives you the right to use "Rev." in front of your name; conduct church meetings; perform marriages, funerals and baptisms; visit members of the church in hospitals and prison; and ordain others into the ministry. A minister may also start a congregation of the ULC, provided at least two other people over the age of 18 are willing to become ministers and serve on the Board of Directors (Pastor, Secretary and Treasurer).

In addition to ordination, the Universal Life Church offers a variety of religious/philosophical degrees such as a Doctor of Divinity, a Doctor of Metaphysics, a Doctor of Religious Science, a Doctor of Religious Humanities, and a Doctor of Universal Life, among others. The ULC also publishes books and a quarterly newsletter.

Like many Pagans, the ULC believes that 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, who has relinquished it and must get it back, lest a government of the people, for the people, and by the people shall perish from the face of the earth.

Another belief the ULC shares with many Pagans is that Mother God (the eternal Goddess) is inherent in the Earth and Father God (the cyclical Horned One) is the life of the Earth’s substance.

Some other ULC beliefs held in common with Paganism as a whole are:

Freedom -- is the most important thing to everyone. Every living thing on this earth fights for its freedom -- to be free to shape its own life, free to move around, free to fulfill its dreams and ambitions. The Universal Life Church is the active advocate of freedom for everyone, as long as that freedom does not infringe on the rights of others.

Food -- Without food there can be no freedom, only a desperate fight for survival. Thus food is one of the foundations of freedom, a key to prosperity and happiness for all mankind.

Sexuality -- is the third part of this "trinity," that keeps all living things going and keeps our world alive. The Universal Life Church recognizes sexuality as a positive force in our lives. If you deny your desire for sex, then you deny life itself.

Heaven is when you have these; Hell is when you don’t!