A TEXTBOOK ABOUT COMPUCHURCH (tm) Rev. 10/5/93 TABLE OF CONTENTS +quot;My Vision+quot; by
A TEXTBOOK ABOUT COMPUCHURCH (tm)
Rev. 10/5/93
TABLE OF CONTENTS
"My Vision" by Rev. Alan Jennings..................1
About CompuChurch (tm).............................2
Ways You Can Participate in CompuChurch............3
What is a Church?..................................4
Minister...........................................4
Minister Ordination Application....................5
Congregation.......................................6
The First Amendment................................6
Universal Life Church Congregation Agreement.......7-8
CompuChurch (tm) Network Membership Application....9-10
How to Operate a Congregation......................11
A Special Comment about the CompuChurch Ministry...12
What is Meant by Religious Rights?.................13
Universal Life Church CompuChurch..................14
"My Vision" by Kirby J. Hensley....................15
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 1
* MY VISION
We have indeed become a global community. Ideas, thoughts, and opinions from
all around the world find their way to our personal computers. We read, we
select, we ponder, and we choose those ideas and thoughts which become part of
our being. We discard much, add much, and forever learn and grow. Or so we
can if we choose. Many of us involved to this level in this vast network are
the thinkers and the doers. And while there is no small number of closed-
minded folk who will assault you with their beliefs and condemn you for
thinking otherwise, I think we can be thankful they, too, can find something
of value if they stay long enough to hear some other ideas.
We are all the pioneers of a new way of communicating. Soon, these terminals
will be as common a fixture as the telephone is today. We will soon be able to
leave our messages for anyone anywhere and anytime. It will not replace voice
contact, nor will it replace our face to face gatherings, our newspapers, our
books, our magazines, our televisions, radios, etc. But it will supplement
them considerably. As we can have personal dialogue with someone across the
globe at a comfortable time when we can be receptive to the message. And,
because of that personal contact, we can -- indeed MUST -- truly effect a
lessening of global misunderstandings. If so, we may be able to achieve our
global dialogue just in time.
As this process unfolds, so does the spirit of man... the indomitable force
that hurls us into the 21st century with these remarkable tools of
communication. Yet no tool even yet to be imagined can begin to compare with
our mind and our spirit. And each person is making a contribution to this
global consciousness by the very act of living. We automatically fuel our
intellect in this medium. And we will find food for our spirit here, too.
There are many, many ministers in these electronic halls. Ministers who are
traditionalists, and ministers who are not so traditional. There are ministers
who are credentialed and ministers who are not. And there are as many
religious beliefs as there are people. But the operative word here is
"minister." In my journey through these halls, I find more and more of us
every day. And I see many (who had forgotten what they were) are beginning to
be of service again.
My vision is kind of hard to put into words. But I think the time is right for
each of us to recognize our personal ministry. Distinct and apart from our
"religious doctrines and dogmas," our personal ministries are a true extension
of what we believe moreso than what we say we believe. I see continued
heightened awareness. I see bigotry becoming enlightened. I see people willing
to get deeper than the semantic dogfights we all see on the surface.
I see people becoming ordained to be free in themselves to do that which is
right according to their own conscience and beliefs as long as it does not
impinge on the rights of others. I believe this IS that day for every man to
recognize his personal stake in the outcome and to take responsibility for it.
The opportunity is as great as we can imagine if we but have the courage to
seize it.
-Rev. Alan Jennings, Pastor
CompuChurch (tm)
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 2
About CompuChurch (tm)
CompuChurch (tm) was founded in 1988 by Rev. C.A.Jennings of Baton Rouge,
Louisiana. First online May 14, 1988 on Comlink Data Systems (504) 928-1637,
CompuChurch was offering a new church experience to the world of personal
computer telecommunications.
The first minister ordained online occurred on May 30, 1988 (as of Oct, 1993
over 1000 ministers have been ordained through this church).
By August of 1988, CompuChurch had chartered the Batboard BBS, BR LA as a
CompuChurch BBS.
In January, 1989, our first free-standing system was provided for a time,
allowing for the system development which occurred during the next several
months.
During that period, CompuChurch sought and obtained recognition from South
Central Bell as a Church and as a Denomination. Additionally, the name of the
church "CompuChurch" (tm) was registered by Rev. Jennings with the State of
Louisiana, and acknowledged by the Secretary of State.
Thanks to the efforts of the founders, and the generosity of many ministers in
the Greater Baton Rouge area, and members of the Diocese of Baton Rouge ULC
who operated the first chartered congregations, and the International
Headquarters of the Universal Life Church, CompuChurch (tm) International
Headquarters began operation on November 29, 1989, in conjunction with the
Universal Life Church CompuChurch (tm) at (504) 927-4509
CompuChurch (tm) International Headquarters distributes the ULC_MINISTERS
Echo through The CompuChurch (tm) Network (CCN). CompuChurch's Fidonet
address is 1:3800/6.
CompuChurch (tm) International Headquarters is the present organizational Hub
of all networked chartered CompuChurches. Charters are available to any
ministry without question of faith or dogma. We do not go between you and
your God. It does not matter to us about your particular religion, whether it
be Protestant, Catholic, Nondenominational Christian, Jewish, Islam, Buddhist,
or whatever, you can charter a congregation to further your religious
objectives and your personal ministry. We have available many resources for
one another by virtue of this structure.
For further information regarding chartering a congregation, contact Rev.
Jennings online at (504) 927-4509 / FidoNet 1:3800/6 or write to:
CompuChurch (tm)
International Headquarters
The Archdiocese of Cyberspace
P.O.Box 64575
Baton Rouge, LA 70896-4575
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 3
WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN COMPUCHURCH
* AS A CALLER
You may attend CompuChurch by making a direct connection and
accessing sermons, prayers, and worship opportunities in our
electronic sanctuary. It is our hope to offer a wide range of
theological discourse and spiritual guidance from both
ministers and laity.
You may also access a growing library of good reading for both
the minister and the layman. We encourage callers to use the
material available here and to submit appropriate material for
sharing with others.
Your participation in a large and growing fellowship among the
callers sharing conversation in many forums (both religious and
secular) with others from around the country is encouraged. A
special forum is set aside for ministers only.
With the growth of CompuChurch, your opportunity to participate
may be enhanced by the establishment of a CompuChurch (tm)
Charter in your local area.
* AS A CHARTERED MINISTRY OR CONGREGATION
Ministers who operate or who wish to operate computer based
telecommunications systems are invited to become Chartered with
CompuChurch (tm). You may also be instrumental in the
establishment of Charters for existing sytems in your local
area. Chartered Congregations or Ministries are eligible to affiliate
with our private network.
* AS A PREACHER
To further your personal ministry, you may take advantage of
the opportunity to submit your sermons and religious message to
our sanctuary. You may also submit information on your ministry
to our electronic Tract Rack. Sermons and Tracts are made
available to callers and all Chartered Congregations and
Ministries. Additionally, you may register your personal
profile with us to assist you in making contact with like-
minded ministers.
* AS A COUNSELOR
You may extend your personal effectiveness at counseling
through CompuChurch. The CompuChurch (tm) Counseling Program is
a program to facilitate the needs of the local community by
trained and licensed counselors.
* AS A STUDENT
You may take advantage of many courses to assist you in your
personal and religious growth and development. Additionally,
you may answer a call to ministry through CompuChurch.
Information on becoming a minister or on any of our courses or
certification programs is available upon request from any
CompuChurch (tm) Chartered Ministry or Congregation.
It is a widely held belief that we are all but students on the
path. While CompuChurch can now offer you these things
mentioned above, the sum can be greater than the parts.
Moreover, this church will become what we make it by our
personal participation. Each congregation, each ministry, each
person is important to us all.
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 4
* WHAT IS A CHURCH?
We believe that a church is people, and anywhere there are three people or
more gathered together as a group and call themselves a church, we believe it
is a church. A building is not the church. The people are the church. A church
can meet where it meets. Even on a computer.
You can join this church without giving up your membership in any other
church.
A true church will 'free' man. A lot of the organized churches today keep
people in bondage so they can rob them financially.
The purpose of this church is to teach it's philosophy and make new members;
and to help people become ministers.
* WHAT A CHURCH CAN DO
The most important thing is the responsibility to educate or to help people
understand and to know how to work toward a better life here now, as well as
hereafter.
* MINISTER
A minister is more than a preacher. A minister must be ready to serve others.
Anyone who is not a minister who wishes to become a minister may find the
necessary information from the ministers in a CompuChurch. Whatever your
particular religion may be, the ministers in your CompuChurch may assist you.
We will ordain anyone who requests it, without question of faith, without a
fee, for life.
* DUTIES OF A MINISTER
One must study and qualify himself, so that he may be able to perform the
work of a minister. Some of the basic things required of a minister are:
ordaining others, perform baptisms, weddings, funerals, visiting the sick,
counseling, and establishing new congregations.
* PRIVILEGES OF A MINISTER
A minister gets many discounts. Some ministers wear clerical garb, others
don't. None of our ministers are restricted to a particular area. Ministers
are subject to their congregation and to the Mother Church. No one can ever
take away one's ordination under any conditions. Only the Mother Church can
withdraw fellowship from a minister and take all authority away from him.
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 5
-- So How Do I Become Ordained?
Easy. Just fill out the simple form below, or call any CompuChurch (tm)
Chartered BBS and go to the Online Ordainments Menu. Your info will be
processed by CompuChurch (tm) International Headquarters. CompuChurch will
file your request with the ULC, and you'll receive your credentials within a
coupla weeks. It's free, but we could use a stamp!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
* MAKE ME A MINISTER!
Yes, this all sounds wonderful. I want to be a minister, fully ordained and
authorized to do anything ministers usually do, and entitled to the privileges
and benefits extended to the clergy.
Name:
------------------------------------------------
Address:
------------------------------------------------
City State Zip:
------------------------------------------------
I am enclosing a self-addressed stamped envelope to make life easier for you!
SEND TO:
CompuChurch International Headquarters
P.O.Box 64575
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 6
* CONGREGATION
Now that you have read about the church and are now a minister and thinking
about starting a congregation, we feel we can help you by furnishing you a
Congregation Certificate.
A Congregation Certificate will give you the official right to declare
yourself a Pastor of a Congregation. You can call your congregation any
name that you feel would be good for you. For an example, you can call it the
CompuChurch of the Morning Sun Universal Life Church, or the Church of the
Word Universal Life CompuChurch or any of hundreds of names you may want.
Universal Life Church is like a "family" - our parts can be named any name -
but it is all Universal Life.
A Church is not a building. It is PEOPLE. We have many congregations in all
kinds of places where people want to have a church. You are not required by
ULC to have any particular type of meetings. You may carry on in-person
meetings, too. You may have meetings like the Catholics or Methodists,
or like any other church -- or like NO other church.
The requirements of Universal Life Church are that you keep records and report
to International Headquarters monthly or quarterly telling us how many people
attended your meetings, how much your church received from tithings and
offerings and other sources. If you do this, WE declare you are a church.
Fill in the Congregation Agreement and a mail it to the Universal Life Church
CompuChurch (tm) with your $35 minimum offering. It will be forwarded to the
International Headquarters of the Universal Life Church in Modesto California
and a beautiful Congregation Certificate will be prepared for you which will
state that you have a Church.
* THE FIRST AMENDMENT
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or
of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the government for a redress of grievances.
"If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that
NO official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics,
nationalism, religion or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess
by word or act their faith therein. If there ARE any circumstances which
permit an exception, they do not now occur to us."
Ref: U.S.Supreme Court (1943) West Virginia State Board of
Education v. Barnette, 319 US 624.
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 7
Congregation Agreement Page 1 of 2
Universal Life Church Congregation Agreement
This agreement is entered into by the Univeral Life Church, International
Headquarters, Modesto California, and three persons (whose signatures appear
below) of legal age. Responsibilities and advantages of the local church too
numerous to detail in this agreement are discussed in the many publications of
the Universal Life Church. It is the responsibility of the governing body of
the local church to study that literature. The local Church will become
active once this agreement is received and properly recorded at ULC
International Headquarters in Modesto California. It will remain active only
as long as the points of this agreement are kept. Universal Life Church
International Board of Directors reserves the right to cancel this agreement
if any of the conditions of this agreement are not kept. The Certificate
activating the local church will be returned to you along with a file number.
Use your file number on all correspondence to International Headquarters. If
you should move, please send your old and new addresses and phone numbers
immediately so your file can be changed quickly and correctly. Please advise
us immediately of any change in officers.
The local church is required to file quarterly reports and there is a $5 per
month donation to keep the quarterly reports. You should keep a copy of the
quarterly reports submitted to International Headquarters. The donation to
enter into this agreement is $35.
Return this agreement for fowarding to ULC IHQ in Modesto, CA to:
Universal Life Church
P.O.Box 64575
Baton Rouge, LA 70896-4575.
You may make copies for your own use, but please return the original.
DATE:_______________________ Street:________________________
System Phone No:____________ City:__________________________
State:___________ Zip:_________
1) The Universal Life Church, both International Headquarters and the local
church agree to abide by all the laws of the local, state, and federal
governments.
2) This local church will report quarterly to International Headquarters. This
quarterly report will include services held, special meetings, attendance,
and a treasury report.
3) This local church will have a governing body of at least three people
(Pastor, Secretary, & Treasurer) of legal age whose signatures appear below.
International Headquarters is to be notified immediately of any change in the
governing body or of any change in address.
4) This agreement is subject to cancellation if any points of the agreement
are not kept.
5) Each Universal Life Church is a sovereign body within itself responsible
for its own financial affairs. NEITHER PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT IS THE AGENT OF
THE OTHER. The Universal Life Church International Headquarters enters into
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 8
Congregation Agreement Page 2 of 2
this agreement in consideration of the signatories promise that they will
indemnify, save harmless, and defend the Universal Life Church from all
liability from damages to persons or property in any suit at law arising out
of this agreement. By this agreement the signatories acknowledge that
The Universal Life Church, International Headquarters is not responsible for
any debts incurred by the local Universal Life Church.
Witness_______________________ Pastor________________________
Witness_______________________ Secretary_______________________
Date__________________________ Treasurer_______________________
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 9
CCN Membership Application Page 1 of 2
CompuChurch (tm) Network (CCN) Membership Application
General Information:
The CompuChurch Network is a networked association of Computer-based
telecommunications systems who are approved to offer one or more of the
services made available by CompuChurch (tm) International Headquarters to
Universal Life Church Ministers and to prospective ULC Ministers in the
network.
Presently, those services include:
ONLINE ORDINATION - Persons desirous of becoming legally ordained ministers,
free from any church imposed dogma, and responsible in
themselves to do that which is right according to their
own conscience and beliefs, may become registered as
legally ordained ministers of the Universal Life
Church. Over 17,000,000 persons presently hold
credentials of ministry from the ULC.
ONLINE REGISTRATION - Universal Life Church Ministers may register the names
and mailing addresses of those new ministers they have
ordained "in the field."
ULC_MINISTERS Echo - A privately distributed echo originating from
CompuChurch International Headquarters Universal Life
Church, FidoNet 1:3800/6, for the exclusive use of ULC
Ministers.
FILES - as they are added, a library of files available for
download to ULC Ministers to assist them in the
development of their ministry and the establishment of
congregations.
Any or all of the services listed above may be made available to the qualified
caller depending upon the needs/wishes of the participating SysOp. Costs of
obtaining echo feed and transmitting ordination information are at the expense
of the participating Sysop; however, efficient routing will be attempted
and/or honored by Headquarters as can be made practical with growth of the
network. The participating sysop is generally responsible to the network and
to CompuChurch as follows:
1) Transmits ordination information directly to International Headquarters
of CompuChurch in the specified format on at least a monthly basis.
2) Validates and qualifies those callers requesting access to the echo and
enforces the echo rules privately with his callers in complete
cooperation with the echo moderator.
3) Makes available on at least a hold-for-pickup basis, the ministers echo
to facilitate distribution to systems within the local area.
4) Terminates any feed as directed by CompuChurch.
5) Distributes no feed without specific authorization from
CompuChurch.
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 10
CCN Membership Application Page 2 of 2
It is the hope of CompuChurch to impose as few restrictions as possible on the
participants of the network; the purposes of the network being to further the
communication between ULC Ministers and to encourage the general increase in
our numbers and thus effectiveness in encouraging the doctrine of "Doing That
Which Is Right."
NOTE: All information is needed. Neither the street address
nor the Voice Phone will be contained in any PUBLIC distribution
but are necessary for administration purposes. If any of this
information is missing your application can not be processed.
SYSOP Name:
VOICE Phone(s):
Street Address:
City,State,ZIP:
SYSTEM Name:
BBS Phone:
Highest Baud Rate:
Accept 24hr Crash Mail (Y/N)?:
FidoNet Address for Crash NetMail:
Where did you first hear about CompuChurch?:
Are you a ULC Minister:
When were you ordained?
Where will you get your feed for the CCN Echoes?
I agree to the points listed above concerning my responsibilities
as a SysOp in the CompuChurch Network
Signature:____________________________________Date:______________
Return this COMPLETED application with signature :
CompuChurch (tm) International Headquarters
P.O.Box 64575 Baton Rouge, LA 70896-4575
OR transmit the Q-A part via netmail or direct connect upload,
giving it your best shot at an ASCII facsimile of your signature!
CompuChurch IHQ. 1:3800/6 (504)927-4509
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 11
HOW TO OPERATE A CONGREGATION
Sysops, set up special areas in your BBS systems. While you can also meet in
person wherever you choose, the great thing about bringing Church to your
computer should be obvious! Some may want to have discussions and others may
like to have prayers and worship. Some may like spiritual readings from the
Bible or from other books. But it is the nature of CompuChurch that people
may take as much or as little as they want, and likewise may they share. Some
people will call and see what others have shared and you and your members will
never know the effects you may have on lives all over the world. Try to have
some kind of membership where they can feel that they are a part of the
church. Remember that you teach and grow along with the members of your
congregation.
You may want to offer special areas for ministers only. CompuChurch (tm)
International Headquarters is offering a growing echomail conference known as
the Ministers' Forum. We also suggest you have a local SIG for ministers in
your area. You may wish to allow ministers to register any ordinations through
a questionnaire on your board for your system to zip and upline to
International Headquarters for processing.
Congregations of CompuChurch in good standing are eligible for our discount
program which allows the local congregation to obtain supplies, courses,
titles, credentials, etc. at cost. We feel that this is the best way for a
congregation to raise funds and spread the word of CompuChurch and Universal
Life Church. Each time that the congregation orders supplies, you must put
your network address or charter number clearly on the order.
Also, as a Chartered Congregation of CompuChurch, you may wish to have your
Church listed under "CHURCHES -- CompuChurch" in the Yellow Pages. Special
classes of service for churches may allow you to maintain residential rates
even though you are upgraded to business class of service, complete with the
benefits therein available. COMPUCHURCH is classed as a Denomination under
South Central Bell's yellow page headings; your local business office may
contact us for information on your authority to use this designation. Tariffs
may vary, so check with your local Telephone Company business office about
this. It is quite new and if you run into any brick walls, you can have them
contact us.
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 12
* A SPECIAL COMMENT ABOUT THE COMPUCHURCH MINISTRY
Your main ministry may be through your BBS. But you may also find that you are
called upon to do weddings or baptisms or help others in many ways. You have a
wonderful opportunity and you have many members who will help, too.
CompuCounseling is important, and you may like to have a special VERY PRIVATE
area where even your associate pastors cannot reach so that you may have truly
confidential conversations with the members of your church. Outreach may be
important to you, or not important at all.
CompuChurch is founded upon the doctrine of "Doing that which is Right" as the
doctrine personally ascribed to by me as set forth by the Universal Life
Church. I believe that you as a pastor are the best one to determine the
religion to bring to your congregation rather than that being prescribed by
"the church." Similarly, it must be remembered that the members of the
congregations are free in themselves to determine whether they wish to
subscribe to your personal religious beliefs yet still be able to look to you
as a minister and maintain fellowship with you. Your ministry will be most
successful if your ACTIONS are the evidence of your Ministry. It is
important, therefore, that you are a pastor who wishes to facilitate the
growth and development of your members rather than to sell them on your
particular religious dogma. One of the most important things about your church
is your sincerity that it IS a church and that its intent is to "DO THAT WHICH
IS RIGHT"
-Rev. Alan Jennings
Pastor - Universal Life Church CompuChurch
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 13
WHAT IS MEANT BY RELIGIOUS RIGHTS?
The Church in each place must be free to define the mission it believes
it has received from God. Likewise, individual Christians and other
believers must be free to practice their faith in whatever manner they
believe necessary, commensurate with their not violating the same freedom
of others. In addition, we affirm the understanding of religious freedom
embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and other
international covenants. While some actions taken in the name of religious
rights may be ambiguous and will have to be addressed on a case-by-case
basis, we believe that religious rights include at least the following:
1. Every person had the right to determine his or her own faith and creed
according to conscience.
2. Every person has the right to the privacy of his belief, to express his
religious beliefs in worship, teaching, and practice, and to proclaim
the implications of his beliefs for relationships in a social or poli-
tical community.
3. Every person has the right to associate with others and to organize
with them for religious purposes.
4. Every religious organization, formed or maintained by the action in
accordance with the rights of individual persons, has the right to
determine the policies and practices for the accomplishment of its
chosen purposes, which implies the right:
a) to assemble for unhindered private or public worship,
b) to formulate his own creed,
c) to have an adequate ministry,
d) to determine its conditions of membership,
e) to give religious instruction ot its youth, including preparation
for ministry,
f) to preach its message publicly,
g) to receive into its membership those who desire to join it,
h) to carry on social services and to engage in missionary work,
i) to organize local congregations,
j) to publish and circulate religious literature,
i) to organize local congregations,
k) to control the means necessary to its mission and to secure support
for its work at home and abroad,
l) to cooperate and to unite with other believers at home and abroad,
m) to use the language of the people in worship and in religious
instruction,
n) to determine freely the qualifications for professional leadership
of religious communities, freely naming their religious leaders at
all levels and designating their work assignments.
Reprinted by Universal Life Church with permission from Freedom of Faith
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 14
*** UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH COMPUCHURCH ***
The Universal Life Church CompuChurch is chartered by CompuChurch (tm)
International Headquarters to the Diocese of Baton Rouge Universal Life
Church.
Universal Life Church CompuChurch is a Local Congregation of CompuChurch (tm)
It is open to any registered callers at (504) 927-4509. CompuChurch ULC
offers several national FidoNet Echos as well as local forums in its
Fellowship Hall. Additionally there is a strong representation of Universal
Life Church ministers of many and varied faiths. On-line ordinations, and
opportunities for prayer and worship are supported in the Sanctuary.
While CompuChurch ULC serves the local community of Baton Rouge as a BBS, it
also serves Universal Life Church ministers anywhere with an information and
registration point for new ordinations by maintaining direct connections to
ULC International Headquarters in Modesto California. CompuChurch ULC is the
home of CompuChurch (tm) International Headquarters.
OUR BELIEF
* OUR OBJECTIVE: ETERNAL PROGRESSION
* OUR GOAL: A FULLER LIFE FOR EVERYONE
* OUR SLOGAN: TO LIVE AND HELP LIVE
The Universal Life Church has no traditional doctrine. We as an organization
only believe in that which is right. Each individual has the privilege and
responsibility to determine what is right for him - as long as it does not
impinge upon the rights of others. We do not stand between you and your God.
We are active advocates of the First Amendment of the United States of America
WE ARE ADVOCATES OF THE GOOD LIFE!
We want--to be competent, to be proficient, to be cooperative, to love our
fellow man, to appreciate, to be humble, to be honest, to be moral, to live
positively, to be what we profess.
For more information about the Universal Life Church, or to become ordained as
a minister, contact Rev. Jennings online, or write:
Diocese of Baton Rouge Universal Life Church
P.O.Box 64575
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
A Textbook About CompuChurch -- Page 15
My Vision...
... yesterday
I have had a vision since my childhood, and have spent my life searching this
country for that vision. At one time I believed that I would be a comedian;
I, also, thought of being a lawyer, but had no education; I always wanted to
be a preacher, and that is what I am. I have joined many organizations and
have studied many things during my lifetime, but it wasn't until 1958 that I
began to understand the vision. The vision is to release people from
religious bondage. I've realized that this is almost an impossibility, but in
1962 I incorporated the Universal Life Church, a church to break the chains of
religious bondage. From that moment forward I have never doubted or
questioned my vision of the Universal Life Church. We sowed the seeds for
freedom in 60's, we cultivated them through the 70's, and the time is ripe to
reap our harvest of freedom (the vision) in the 80's!
... today
We understand the vision, religious freedom; we have the vehicle to attain
this freedom, the Universal Life Church; we must begin to teach people who
they are. Religion does not make people free, it only binds them down. The
only way to set people free is to awaken their consciousness to the fact that
they are born free. We must show mankind who God is, where God is, and what
God is. We must teach mankind that this planet, Earth, belongs to us, all
people, and that we must set up a kingdom of peace, joy, and love; the Kingdom
of Man.
Bishop Kirby J. Hensley, Founder, Universal Life Church
(c) 1984, 1990 Universal Life Church
All Rights Reserved
distributed with permission by
CompuChurch (tm) Universal Life Church
(504) 927-4509
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