By Ray Robinson
MTW contributing writer

My wife and I faced one major hurdle on our way to wedded bliss – who would perform the ceremony? I'm a Christian and she is not, and neither of us were interested in changing, nor were we asking each other to change. A church wedding was out, as was the Justice of the Peace, and this ceremony was too important to be handled by a stranger.

Fortunately, one of our friends was ordained online, and we asked him to officiate.

Before you dismiss online ordination as “fly-by-night” or “Vegas-like schlock," take a moment to consider some of the facts. The largest online ordination site is the Universal Life Church, boasting 20 million ministers ordained since 1959. Their beliefs are simple: ensure for each of their ministers the absolute right of freedom to practice their religion in the manner of their choosing, and to encourage their ministers to do that which is right and in accord with their government's laws.

Universal Life doesn't stop with granting licenses. They offer online training for those wishing to become the best minister they can be. They also offer basic sermons and ceremonies the minister can use as a template to build from. There is also a chat forum so ministers can assist each other with ideas and guidance. Finally, they offer products, such as clerical robes and literature, for the minister to utilize in his or her work.

Do they have some people sign up as a joke? Certainly! Universal Life asks only that their members “Do only that which is right” and leaves it up to the individual to determine that course.

When I approached Gary about officiating our ceremony, he told me up front that he takes his role as a minister seriously. He was not about to do anything he didn't feel was appropriate for such an important occasion. I responded “that's one of the reasons we want you to do this for us!” Over a couple of dinners, the three of us worked together to come up with a ceremony that included scripture, handfasting, and a unity candle. Even the staunchest Christians in our families were moved to tears, and many commented it was the best ceremony they had ever witnessed.

So if you're having trouble finding an appropriate minister, maybe a good friend would willing to step up and fill that void. It may be all you need to make the big day even more special! For more information on the Universal Life Church, go to <a href="http://themonastery.org">