Why People Become Ordained

Here are some stories about why people became ordained through the Universal Life Church and have trained through our online seminary. They readily share their stories and knowledge to help you add to yours.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Ordination Story

Born into a family of spiritual healers, Rev. William Gameson's entire life has been devoted to learning, researching, and teaching spiritual awareness and practicing the healing arts. Upon graduating high school when he was 17 years old, Rev. William entered a Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery and began his religious formation as a monk and priest.

Rev. William knew he had a definite calling to the religious life at a very early age, and quickly immersed himself in comparative religion and Christian mysticism. One day while praying William said to God, "God, I know you're calling me and I have a vocation. I'm not going to force anything to happen, but send me a sign."
Two days later, Rev. William received a call at the monastery with an invitation from His Emminence Khempo Yurmed Tinly Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist monk, inviting him to Miami, FL to receive four days of private teachings from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Llama.

After attending the four days of teachings, and a brief subsequent move to the Seattle, W.A. area, Rev. William accepted a job offer from the Bishop of the Diocese of the

Blessed Sacrament in Arizona, and relocated to Sedona, A.Z. to take the responsibility as pastor of St. Luke's Church in September of 2005. After two years of searing as pastor at St. Luke's, William decided the diocese he was functioning and licensed under was too restricting and William discerned that God was calling him to a very unique ministry. Rev. William resigned from St. Luke's in April of 2007 and embarked on his new journey with the Universal Life Church. In April of 2007 Rev. William started the U.L.C. congregation the Ashram of Truth.
Nestled in the heart of Sedona's majestic red rocks, the Ashram of Truth is a post-secondary school and church, offering in-depth esoteric and metaphysical studies based of the traditions of the ancient mystery schools. The Ashram is focused on bridging the gap between Christianity and Buddhism - focusing on the correlation of Lord Buddha's teachings, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
After a few months of operation, it became evident to Rev. William that there was a growing number of people labeling themselves as "Christian-Buddhists", and discovered the new and unique ministry that God was calling him to. Rev. William decided to make his ministry be the bridge on which orthodox Christians could explore and learn about other faiths and spiritual practices. Rev. William discerned that he needed a "neutral" territory where his congregation didn't feel overwhelmed by any one faith or theology alone.
Rev. William had a dream about starting a completely non-denominational and practical metaphysical church service, in which his congregation didn't feel overshadowed by rigid or

condemning dogmas. The result of which was the creation of an independent church congregation, the Sedona City of Light Church. The Sedona City of Light Church is a non-denominational foundation dedicated to helping each member reach their highest human potential, while honoring each individual's own set of beliefs.
Rev. William is currently searing as Presiding Pastor and Chairman of The Sedona City of Light Church, The U.L.C. Ashram of Truth (CONG 62270), and The Ancient Healing Academy. Rev. William currently resides fulltime in Sedona, AZ and he and his staff of interfaith ministers are dedicated to be of service to humanity. Rev. William currently holds his Master in Religion degree, the Doctorate of Philosophy in Religion degree, and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree with the ULC.


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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. 

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

 
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.  
 
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