mdtaylor

That is the quickest way to NOT ever obtain the priviledge. You get perfect points for each post or each topic started. A while back you could earn points for winning at poker (which is no longer available) and for defeating other members of the ULC Army (which no longer uses perfect points, but it's own 'currency' now.) Look up on the menu bar of the forum and see the ULC Bank.... You can bank your points..earn interest, buy CDs...

Yes

What is the minimum age requirement for becoming a minister? There is no minimum age. There are ministers of all ages practicing across the US. Outside of the US you should consult a local legal professional. Are there any limitations based on age? Yes. As a minister, one of the duties you may be asked to perform is a marriage ceremony. Some states and countries have specific defined age requirements, but they are often hard to locate. You best bet is to contact a legal professional or a minister's association in your state or country. Generally, in the US, as a minister you are a witness to a civil contract when performing a marriage ceremony, and therefore must be at least 18. Some states may still be 21, while in others there may not be a minimum. There is just no definite answer that applies to all situations. Generally, look for the "age of majority" or the "age to contract" in your state. That is the generally accepted minimum age to act as an agent of the state when solomnizing marriages. What is the minimum age to participate in the forum? 14.

Well that' because the server is right in the middle of the path of Rita...but don't fret. We'll be back online soon.

And I think that just about does it for this topic.....

I am objecting to be associated with the union, due to its behavior. Then your objection on religious grounds is not going to fly, and since membership in the union is required by statutes you'd best seek other employment. Of course, don't listen to us for anything other than moral support, if you get any, consult your own legal advisor.

Hey Bear...clarify something for me... are you simply objecting to PAYING the union dues, or are you objecting to membership in the union?

Problem is, this is not a contribution. It is a statutory required payment as a condition of employment with the state. The only thing gained by claiming a religious exemption is the LOSS of insurance provided by the union. If you call that a loss, that is...

It appears that even WITH a religous exemption you are required to pay the dues, less certain amounts. You have two or three choices, depending on how you look at it... Management Move out of the state Vote against the idiots that voted for the law in the first place. Not attractive options, unless you can convince your employer that you are management material. Reality bites...

It was just the hard drive. I'm already back up. Now I have to see what is salvageable on the old drive, if anything...

Mark doesn't say much...but when he speaks he cracks me up... So...is the new book out yet??? And tonight I find out that I need a new HP... dang Maxtors..

Me too. I even have an HP computer....Oh, wait...

But ya gotta have 100 posts first... (I'm sure I put that in there somewhere..., didn't I?)

The Utah Statutes spicifically prohibit ordinations by the Internet. How is it that ULC ministers continue to marry persons in Utah? Am I legal to perform wedding ceremonies in Utah? The above statutes has now been repealed. ULC vs. Utah (3.8mb pdf file)

On almost all of the references to legal requirements of the various states you will find the statement "See the County Clerk for additional information." This is really a misleading statement. County Clerks, by law, cannot give you any legal advice. They are able to give you information related to the completion of required forms or the procedures they require for various duties that the county clerks office is charged. What this means to you is simply this. If you were to ask them how to complete the marriage license, or the time frame for the ceremony and return of the license, they will gladly give you good and accurate information. If, however, you were to ask them about any required language in the ceremony they cannot advise you on that. It would be considered giving legal advice. So, just what can you and can you not ask of the county clerk? Examples of what you can ask (and expect to receive an answer): What do I put in this blank on the marriage license? Can I return the license by mail? Examples of what you can ask, but don't expect to get an answer: Do you have a sample ceremony? Can I perform a marriage on a ship? And the favorite is: How do I register to perform marriages? This is a tricky one. If the state requires ministers to be registered, and the county clerk does the registrations, then you will get a good and valid answer. If, however, the state does not require registration OR the county clerk is not responsible for registrations, then you will likely not get an accurate answer, or you will get no answer at all. If the clerk appears even slightly confused about an answer for this do not rely on his answer. Seek your answer elsewhere. This is a case where the county clerk is not all that you may think he is. They don't know everything, and some are down right useless. <span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'>As always this is not legal advice. This is worth exactly what you didn't pay for it. If you desire legal advice you should consult with an attorney in your jurisdiction. </span>

What is considered "Privileged Communication?" Is everything I say to anyone protected under the clergy privilege? Generally, privileged communications exist between a member of a profession and a client only during the course of the professional consultation or work product. There are many sites that discuss the general rule of clergy confidentiality. One such site is listed below. Liberty Counsel Each state defines what is and is not considered privileged communication under that state's Rules of Evidence. No amount of general discussion can substitute for the actual law and/or rules published by your own state. To find the rule in your own state do a search on Google for "[your state] Rules of Evidence." A sample of what you would find is below: Texas Privileged Communication to Clergy New Hampshire Religous Privilege You may be able to find your states Rules of Evidence at Expert Pages or Cornell Law Library What about communicating with prison inmates? Visits to inmates present a special situation in that certain liberties have been forfeited by the inmates upon incarceration. However, generally clergy visits are still protected. Each facility has special rules for clergy visits. Sometimes you must be on a special approved list before you visit is considered an authorized clergy visit. Always visit the facility in advance and become fully authorized to visit inmates in your capacity as clergy. Otherwise, your visits may be subject to being recorded and not considered privileged. Mandatory Reporting There are always exceptions to the rules, and privileged communications is no exception (pardon the pun.) At least 20 states have adopted the law that requires many professions to report any instances of child abuse that may come into their knowledge. While this is just one example where the privilege does not extend your state may have additional exceptions. The only way you will know for sure is to research your own state's laws or seek the advice of an attorney in your state. Note: As always this is not intended to be legal advice. This article is worth exactly what you paid for it. You should obtain all legal advice from an attorney in your jurisdiction.

New York marriage laws tend to be slightly confusing to most. They should be. They are written where even a graduate law student would have difficulty reading them. Filtering through all the confusing text, however, we find two basic situations relevant to authority to marry. One is applicable to marriages that occur outside the city limits of New York City, and the other is applicable to marriages inside the city limits of New York City. We must first determine the proper definition of "minister" as recognized by the State of New York. Ok, so now we must look elsewhere for the definition.... So, according to New York State law, any ULC minister does, in fact, meet the definition of "clergy." Now, on to situations. For simplicity we will visit the text of the law applicable to marriages outside the city limits first. This is the basic authorization for ministers to conduct marriage ceremonies. Nothing in the text precludes a ULC minister from performing a marriage ceremony, nor does it require any registration.On to New York City. The Big Apple..... This clearly states that any clergy, prior to performing a marriage ceremony, shall register with the city clerk. It does not say that the clerk has any authority to decline your initial registration, but may revoke the registration upon satisfactory proof that one is no longer entitled to perform a marriage ceremony. But regardless of the law the city clerk has other ideas. Let's look at what the clerk has to say... From http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov (which, by the way is owned and operated by the New York City Clerk) we find this page: NYC Wedding Officiant Information This page is sometimes confusing, and with good reason. Most persons are drawn directly to this statement on the page: Note: The above quote no longer appears on the referenced page. Additionally, we have received word from a reliable source that ordinations from the ULC are now being accepted in New York City.Ok, fine. The City of New York does not accept for proof of ordination an ordination certificate from the ULC. That does not mean that they do not recognize the ULC in general, only that they do not recognize the certificate as being authoritative enough to prove conclusively that you are an ordained clergyman. Let's look closer at that page. There are three sections. A, which by the way, appears to be missiong in the text, B, and C. Let's have a quick look at Section A. This states, in short, that you can obtain a copy of the cover page of the directory kept in Modesto of ordinations together with a copy of the page where your name appears, and submit that as proof. Or, a letter from the ULC that confirms your membership. Does the Letter of Good Standing satisfy this paragraph? It should, in theory. But only the city clerk could say with any certaintity. If I were in NYC I would certainly give it a try and provide a very convincing argument for it. Then, since the ULC Seminary is still in it's infancy the provision in #3 is likely not yet applicable. In time, however, this will be available as proof as well. Note that each paragraph is connected by "or" which means you only need to comply with one paragraph. Now a look at Section B. Due to the note attached to #1 this entire section will not satisfy the clerk. (Note that the numbered paragraphs are connected with "and" so an applicant must meet all three paragraphs.)Moving on to the last Section C. If you have a church in New York City this appears to be the easiest method of meeting the requirements of the clerk. Simply draft a letter on the church letterhead with the required information and submit to the clerk. Even considering the above it may be even easier to take another route to satisfy the New York City Clerk. Since the ULC does not prevent you from being ordained from more than one church you may find that it is easier to simply become ordained from one of the other organizations available. There are several available and a quick search on the web or a question posted in the forum will likely result in several choices. In short, yes, the ULC can perform marriages ceremonies in the State of New York, and jumping through the proper hoops placed by the city clerk, even in the City of New York. Note: There was a time that the ULC intended to challenge the New York City Clerk and it's policies but it has been delayed by the events of 9-11. Perhaps at some time in the future the ULC will again resume it's quest to challenge the city clerk. Disclaimer: The normal ones. I am not an attorney and this is not legal advice. Any advice you may perceive from this article is worth exactly what you paid for it. For your own protection you should consult an attorney in your jurisdiction for legal advice.