The Reverend Doug Hayashi
Yes, the rumors are true. I am now a fully ordained minister with the Universal Life Church. So now I can perform the typical duties of a minister. I can now also make reservations under the name "The Reverend Doug Hayashi" at hotels, restaurants, etc.
So I know you have a lot of questions, and using my newly found powers of perceptions and enlightenment, I will try to answer them on this webpage.
1. Uh......you say you are now a fully ordained minister. Is this legal?
Of course it is legal! The Universal Life Church is a legal entity. Back in 1974, the United States Government and other "established religious entities" tried to sue the Universal Life Church, saying it is not really a religious entity. The United States District Court heard the case, and ruled that the Universal Life Church beliefs really does constitute a religious entity. Click on the picture below for more info on the lawsuit.
2. Uh....what credentials do you have saying that you are a minister?
I have a full size certificate on my wall, stating that I was ordained as a minister on July 4th, 2001, and have all the rights and privileges to perform all duties of the Ministry.
The Universal Life Church
Credentials of Ministry
And I have a clergy badge, and official wallet sized credentials that I carry around with me. Could be useful if I ever get pulled over by law enforcement officials.
Clergy badge and wallet credentials
Oh, and I also have a special pass in case I have to park in an illegal parking zone to perform any minister duties.
3. What the hell does your church and religion believe in?
The Universal Life Church is a non-denominational church that has no traditional doctrine. The Universal Life Church believes in Eternal Progression, A Fuller Life for Everyone, and to Live and Help Live. Can you argue with those beliefs?
The Summary of what the Universal Life
Church believes in.
4. So you are a minister. What does this mean you can do?
I can legally marry people in the state of California. Below is the law regarding ministers marrying people:
CALIFORNIA
Any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, of the age of 18 years or over may perform marriages. --- Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the county clerk within 4 days after the marriage. --- For questions see the county clerk.
5. Are there tax deductions because you are now a minister?
No, there are no tax deductions that can be taken as an ordained minister.
6. So what else have you done lately with the Universal Life Church?
I recently completed my Doctorate degree. So now you can legally call me the Reverend Doctor Doug Hayashi.
Credentials for a Doctor of
Universal Life
7. What will be your next official duties as a
minister?
One of the next things is to convince
Wayne and Amy (Wayne's 19 year old girl friend who just bought a house with
Wayne) to let me marry them. Or my marry my cousin Craig and his fiancee'
Donna. But you all know what my REAL FIRST
OFFICIAL duty will be.
