CyberSpace Community Church-Is it legal to be ordained ONLINE?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is online ordination a legal ordination?

Yes. As an independently chartered church, CyberSpace Community Church has the same legal rights as any other church. This includes the right to legally ordain ministers, to issue independent church charters, and even to award honorary Doctor of Divinity Degrees in recognition of service to our church.

2. That sounds good, but what is the legal basis of this?

In 1974, the United States government sued the Universal Life Church and challengedtheir right to have a tax-exempt status. When the judge ruled on this case, he alsoaddressed the question of mail-order ordination, independent church charters, andHonorary Doctor of Divinity Degrees. While the Universal Life Church is not really a Christian ministry, nevertheless they performed a great service to all non-traditional ministries by fighting this case in court and eventually winning.

The following is excerpted from the court's decision in this case. The Universal Life Church is referred to as Plaintiff:

"...an Honorary Doctor of Divinity is a strictly religious title with no academic standing.Such titles may be issued by bona fide churches and religious denominations, such asplaintiff, as long as their issuance is limited to a course of instruction in the principlesof the church or religious denomination... The statute is silent as to recognized honorary titles conferred for some meritorious recognition."

The court then addressed the issue of whether the ordination of ministers, granting ofchurch charters, and the issuance of Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates are substantial activities which do not further any religious purpose. The following is excerpted from the court's decision:

"Certainly the ordination of ministers and the chartering of churches are accepted activities of religious organizations... The fact that the plaintiff distributed ministers'credentials and Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates is of no moment. Such activity may be analogized to mass conversions at a typical revival or religious crusade."

Now here is the real meat of the court's decision, and the part that guarantees the legalityof your ordination:

"Neither this Court, nor any branch of this Government, will consider the merits or fallacies of a religion. Nor will the Court compare the beliefs, dogmas, and practices ofa newly organized religion with those of an older, more established religion. Nor will theCourt praise or condemn a religion, however excellent or fanatical or preposterous it may seem. WERE THE COURT TO DO SO, IT WOULD IMPINGE UPON THE GUARANTEES OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT."

So you can see, your ordination is completely legal and every bit as respectable as anordination from any other church. If you'd like to read the complete case decision, it'sfiled in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, Civil No. S-1954.

3. Okay, but I haven't donated any money, or gotten a Certificate of Ordination, oranything like that. I received a free ordination, and all I have is an e-mail letter. Is thislegally recognized?

Yes, e-mail is a legal document. Of course, you should print or save the e-mail letter ofordination for your own records.

4. Okay, I've been ordained, and I'm ready to start a ministry or church. How do I get anIndependent Church Charter? What's that cost?

CyberSpace Community Church is happy to issue free Independent ChurchCharters via e-mail. Send your name, the name of your church, and the address or URLof your church to Rev. Dr. E. Gary Wigle, Senior Pastor at Pastor Gary.

5. I got ordained so I could perform marriages. What do I need to do to legally performmarriages?

You just need to check with your local County Clerk's Office and get details on thingslike filing the marriage license, ages of consent, blood test requirements, etc. They'll behappy to give you all the details and necessary forms. While you're there, ask them toshow you how to fill out the license, so you can be sure you do everything correctly.Other things to check on are whether you need to file a copy of your ordinationcredentials before doing weddings, whether you need a license from the state or countyto do weddings, how many days before you must return the marriage license to thecounty, which office to file the license with, and are there any other requirements beforeyou can perform weddings.

Finally, Nevada, Oregon, and New York City all have laws that may require you to have aformally recognized church with a congregation before being allowed to do weddings.This may require you to incorporate your ministry in Oregon and Nevada.

6. I'm glad I got ordained, but some of the people I tell about it don't seem to take itseriously. What should I do?

Now that you've been ordained, it's up to you to make the most of it. If you minister toothers, show Christian love in all your actions, start a church or ministry, and otherwisedemonstrate your calling as a Christian minister, who can argue with your ordination?Look at it this way - do people respect the Rev. Billy Graham because he carries arounda document that says he's ordained? No, of course not! They respect him because he isobviously a man who has committed himself to serving Our Lord. If you are alsocommitted to service and ministry, you'll be respected as a minister, no matter whereyour ordination came from.

7. Becoming an ordained minister has changed my life, and I'd like to help support theministry that ordained me. How can I contribute to CyberSpace Community Church?

No need to send money. God is taking care of this church. If you would like to send something please send your prayers for this church to God. Jesus is the one that paid the price! I just thank Him for loving a unloveable person like me. If you visit the church often and pray at the prayer request board at the Fellowship Hall that would be enough.

8. Where can I find information on how to perform a marriage, baptism, or other ritesand services?

Your local Christian book store is a great place to start. Most have a selection of booksfor clergy covering marriages, baptisms, funerals, writing sermons, etc. They are alsogood sources for blank marriage and baptism certificates, and even clerical clothing.

9. Do I have to wear clerical clothing while performing marriages or other services?

No, that's completely optional. A nice suit and tie should be acceptable for almost anyoccassion.

10. I've been ordained, but I'm not sure what sort of ministry I should start. Anysuggestions?

This is something that you can only answer after much prayer. You may even try severaldifferent types of ministries before you find the right one for you. Our Lord and HisHoly Spirit is your best guide when starting any ministry.

11. Different types of ministries? What do you mean?

There are many different types of ministies. Here are a few examples: marriage ministry,bible ministry, chaplain, Christian relief ministry, church minister or pastor, evangelist,street ministry, tract ministry, film ministry, home fellowship ministry, hospital ornursing home ministry, prison ministry, home visitation ministry, informationalministry, missionary work, music ministry, one on one ministry, radio and T.V. ministry,rescue mission ministry, or you may even want to start a ministry on the internet!

I hope this FAQ has helped you with your ordination and new ministry. God bless you.

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