Embrace and Exclusion - 3 March 2023
Embrace and Exclusion - 3 March 2023
Making a place for everyone.
Editorial
From education to employment and even with ordination, we see a longstanding reality in human society to embrace some and exclude others. It’s seemingly in our very nature. Today we’ll be thinking about the inequality of opportunities, and some hopeful signs.
ULC in Focus
The descriptions on the ULC HQ website for the various items and courses available uses a lot of hyperbolic language. For instance, here’s what it says about The Universal Book:
This book is all about the Universal Life Church and everything you could possibly want to know about it. Inside are sample Marriage and Baptismal ceremonies. This is the most informative book you could ever read.
It’s certainly an interesting read, with a format that seems more than a little random. If you’d like to have a look at it without buying, you can see it here: https://newtotse.com/oldtotse/en/religion/other_western_religions/ulcbook.html At the same time, for just $10 you can spare your eyes and get a hard copy, which also supports our church.
From the Internet
After Chaos and Crisis, Beth Moore Still Finds Refuge in the Church
“In a new memoir out this week, the Bible teacher opens up about the abuse of her childhood and the people and God who saved her.”
Historic, revolutionary: Iglesia Filipina Independiente ordains first trans woman clergy in PH
“The Iglesia Filipina Independiente's ordination of its first trans woman clergy is hailed as a ‘brave step’ towards diversity.”
Resources
If you’re interested in making chaplaincy your profession, a great resource is Chaplaincy Innovation Lab. Check out their website and YouTube, and here’s one of their videos.
From the Blog
“One many troubling aspects of organized religion is how embrace and exclusion are managed. In religious societies, just as in other groups, there are boundaries about who is "in" and who is "out." Sometimes those who are "in" cross certain lines set by others in the organization and are put "out." We see this very clearly illustrated in recent news, and it reminds me of how remarkable the practice of open ordination is in a world of exclusion.”
Closing Thought
Not everyone can afford an advanced degree, or have the space in their lives to pursue it. Heck, is it really right for everyone? The Universal Life Church has long not only practiced open ordination, but also offered affordable coursework to go deeper into religious thought within a ULC context. Meanwhile, that open ordination is nothing to sneeze at, given that even now in 2023 we find churches in traditional denominations being cut off for who they ordain, while fellowships are widening the circle of inclusion. Meanwhile, the ULC HQ stands ready to endorse its ministers officially as chaplains, so that they can pursue a professional career in that field that would otherwise be more difficult to attain through many denominations. We aren’t about withholding in the Universal Life Church. We are about welcome and embrace.