The Story of the Universal Life Church: Origins, Schism, and Continuing Legacy

The Universal Life Church (ULC), based in Modesto, California, is a non-denominational religious organization that has welcomed millions into its ministry since its founding by Rev. Kirby J. Hensley in 1962. With the guiding principle of “Do that which is right,” the ULC champions religious freedom and inclusivity, offering ordination to individuals of all faiths—or none at all—at no charge.

Early Growth and Philosophy

Rev. Hensley, a self-educated former Baptist and Pentecostal minister, envisioned a church that would unite rather than divide people of differing beliefs. Starting in his garage in Modesto with the “Life Church” in 1959, Hensley’s efforts culminated in the incorporation of the Universal Life Church in 1962. The ULC quickly gained popularity, partly due to its role in the cultural revolution of the 1960s, including a misunderstood rumor that ordination could exempt individuals from military service during the Vietnam War.

By offering ordinations through the mail—and later, the internet—the church grew rapidly. Its simplicity and accessibility made it particularly appealing to those wishing to officiate weddings for family and friends. By 2008, the ULC had ordained over 18 million people worldwide.

The Seattle Split: Birth of a Rival

In the mid-1990s, ULC minister Dan Zimmerman launched a website for his Tucson-based congregation, ULC Monastery, which helped process online ordination requests for the Modesto headquarters. In 2005, operational control partially moved to Seattle. A year later, in 2006, a management dispute led to the site being taken over and rebranded as themonastery.org, under the new entity Universal Life Church Monastery Storehouse, Inc.—now often operating as Universal Life Church Ministries (ULCM).

This group is entirely unaffiliated with the Modesto-based ULC, despite similarities in name. The split was not merely administrative; it reflected legal, financial, and philosophical disagreements. The ULCM continues to offer valid ordinations, but they are distinct from those issued by the church Hensley founded.

The ULC Seminary: A Troubled Affiliate

Another point of confusion has been the ULC Seminary, once an affiliated website authorized to carry official ULC courses. Over time, however, it became increasingly detached from the Modesto headquarters. Despite still claiming affiliation, the Seminary has failed to fulfill orders, leading to complaints from those who never received materials they paid for. The ULC HQ has clarified that it no longer maintains a formal relationship with the Seminary and cannot rectify issues stemming from that site.

Continuing the Mission

Despite legal challenges and internal controversies—including IRS disputes over tax-exempt status—the Universal Life Church in Modesto continues to operate under the leadership of Hensley’s son, Andre. It remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals through ordination and supporting freedom of belief and practice for all.

The ULC’s open and inclusive approach has helped many find their spiritual voice, serve their communities, and celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Whether you align with the original Modesto organization or one of its offshoots, the legacy of the Universal Life Church endures in its embrace of diversity and liberty in spiritual expression.