Unity in Diversity

By Rev. Chris Beard2004-11-05

Unity in Diversity
Merry Meet New Friends,

I've only recently joined the family of the Universal Life Church. Yet I have long held the belief that people of all spiritual paths, though diverse in personal convictions, could live and work together for the betterment of all life on this our sacred Earth.

As we look around our world today it has become plagued with ideologies of hate, violence, and war; all played out to the soundtrack of religious extremist rhetoric. Unspeakable acts of violence have been committed against all of humanity, with the perpetrators calming all was done in the name of their deity! Even the President of our great nation justified his actions in Iraq in a recent press conference by holding a Bible high over his head and saying: "this is my rule book." We are a world of diversity; diverse in ethnicity, culture, lifestyles, ideology, spirituality, and in almost any manner one could think of. Many fear these differences, seeing them as a direct assault on their personal beliefs. That fear gone unchecked can lead to mistrust and hate, and ultimately to violence. It is time to break that cycle by uniting in respect and in celebration of our diversity. It is our diversity that brings beauty and life to a world that would otherwise be stagnant and void of inspiration. It is time we unite, with open minds and hearts; in respect and love, and in the common belief of the sanctity of life. We do not have to agree on all matters of life and spirituality to love and respect one another. Yet we msut be willing to listen to one another, and be willing to reach across what barriers may exist. Simply because we differ in spiritual paths does not mean that one must be right while the other one is wrong. Personal truths are sacred and where as my personal truth may not be right for you it does not make my path any less true or valid. It is simply my path and is sacred to me as your path is to you.

So let us not break our unity upon the shoals of our diversity. Let us not be afraid to embrace one another as friends or family simply because of differences in personal truths. Let us instead celebrate our diversity and uplift one another. Let us unite and use our collective good will and love to bring the light of compassion into an overcast and shadowy time in the history of our world. Diverse our paths may be, but united in love shall we live. So mote it be.
Blessed Be One and All,
Rev. Chris Beard





I'm Amy with the Universal Life Church and it's Seminary. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We are also members of the ULC Minister's Association and have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Spirit Quest

Coming into the ULC Seminary course, I was full of self pity and felt very disillusioned by life. I was really empty. There were no answers to choose from. This was the last house on the street for me. Although I have always felt that I have had a strong connection to God, I have always had a difficult time figuring out how he worked. This course has started me on the right path in figuring it out. I began using the tools right away. Every suggestion in every lesson I tried. For me, these saved my life. From creating roses, to clearing chakras, to creating my own reality. I have tried sending energy to myself and others, and have actually seen results. Seeing in writing how Spirit Communicates was especially helpful to me. 

When I was younger, I always felt that the universe was speaking to me through music and color; especially music. But over the years, my ego has changed my mind. And, although I still listen for clues though music, my ego is still winning the battle at this point. I pray regularly for God to restore me to the innocence I had when I was young. The faith I had. This section of the course helped me to do that. Learning about Karma is something every human being should know about. Being a Catholic, and studying the bible awhile with the Jehovah's witnesses; I havealways been acutely aware that NO ONE seems to be able to just not sin to save their lives. Literally. From what I have seen of human behavior, the theory of Karma is the only solution to sin in this world. The only way I won't do something bad to someone else is to stop that same bad thing from happening to me. But, the most important concept I am taking from this course is the concept that I am made in perfection, for perfection. And that I create my own reality...as long as I have faith. I even did create my own reality. For a little while I had everything I ever wanted. But soon, fear crept in, and everything changed in an instant. Maybe its an underlying belief that I don't deserve it. Or maybe I just let it go because I thought I could do better. I haven't quite figured that out yet. Time will tell. Thank you very much for the course.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

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Funeral Blessing

By 'Didj Man'
2005-01-26

Let the sweetness of the Creator's breath draw this new born child of the eternal to the everlasting mercies that do beckon one as a Mother whispering to her Babe in the cradle; let my breath cover you and remind you that you are mine and that no thing done under the sun can escape my gentle gaze, But let now I pray thee your gaze be as mine; brief, gentle,and kind. For the face you see does wash clean as you are now stepped out of your earthly body and are now a seed of Hope for all who await this journey ahead,so as you leave please remember to smile for the World in which you came for the power of forgiveness is the holyspirit's witness to the blood that quickens all those who be ever living to see the day wherenone would ever have to pass from this World to the next in blind faith, but in the unquinching arms of wisdom, and a love that has no bounds, but yet all boundries are made by this love. Fear not my coming child for death is not becoming of you; I take you unto life and that is who I am...............


I'm Amy with the Universal Life Church and it's Seminary. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We are also members of the ULC Minister's Association and have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Spirit Quest

Greetings Amy,

I am not quite half-way through Spirit Quest, which I have found very interesting and useful in my everyday life. I am pleased with my affiliation with ULC and look forward to a life long, fulfilling relationship. I have registered myself to practice in the State of Minnesota and am in the process of establishing a healing practice as well. My spiritual life has been on a rapid rise to awareness during the last two plus years full of wondrous as well as unnerving experiences. Being a part of the ULC Ministry is definitely one of the best things that I have done. I have visited and posted on the forum for Spirit Quest, and visit as often as time allows. I appreciate your communications.

May the Angels be with you,

Rev. Ford Jun Taketa

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar