Becoming An Ordained Minister Online

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So you want to be an ordained minister ... in most cases it's a quick, simple process. If you can fill out a simple form and email it - you can become an ordained minister. What exactly does that mean you can do? That depends on the state that you live in. In Pennsylvania it gives you the authority to perform weddings, baptisms and funerals but no exorcisms. Why? That's something that varies from religion to religion with it mostly being a "Catholic thing". To do an exorcism you have to have credible proof, permission or consent from the person afflicted (or someone with power of attorney) and permission from a bishop (or higher). If exorcism / possession is that much of a concern, chances are a psychologist is needed more than a priest or minister. I checked out a few places online and ended up going with the Universal Life Church (www.ulc.org). It was completely free and only took about ten minutes to fill out the information they requested. You will get an email back from them with your new credentials and you are set. It is extremely important that you read and follow the laws of the state you reside in. You wouldn't want to perform a ceremony then have to tell someone or a couple that it isn't recognized because of a snafu. There are tons of places where you can become ordained but ULC is one of the easiest sites to interact with and they have a ton of information about keeping things legal, ordering certificates, how long permits are good for and how to order supplies. Yes, this is where yu end up spending money. In order to perform a wedding you need a wedding certificate (as well as a permit and blood tests if applicable in your state) and a few other forms for it to be legit. Yes, getting ordained is free but the necessary forms, certificates and paperwork are where they get ya. So you still aren't sold on the idea of getting ordained? If you happen to bump into Conan O'Brien, Lady Gaga, Benjamin Cumberbatch, Steven Colbert, Paul McCartney, Richard Branson (Virgin) or Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) you can ask them why they took the plunge and became ordained. I don't regret the experience and who knows, all those jokes I made about starting my own church just may come to fruition now.