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| ACDA, Inc. |
| "Unleashing Potential through the Power of God" |
| Justification and Validity |
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| Justification and Validity |
What is ordination?
Ordination is recognition by an established religious organization and states
that you have met the requirements to enter their particular organization as a
minister. Entering this ministry is through the divine inspiration and the call of
God, not permission from men.
However, to ensure the safety of those being ministered to we do require a
complete background check. No sexual offenders will be permitted to serve
as American Christian Defense Alliance, Inc ministers in any capacity.
Is my ordination legal?
Absolutely! Ordinations are not controlled by any government agency.
Churches (in the United States) are allowed to determine who they may
ordain into their ministry. Once you are accepted by the American Christian
Defense Alliance, Inc. for ordination and added to our database than posted
on this website, then your ordination is as legally valid as anyone regardless
of denominational affiliation.
What makes online ordination legal?
In 1974 the ULC sued the Federal Government in response to a challenge
against the tax exempt status of the ULC. The ULC is a non-traditional non-
christian church based in California. The following are excerpts from the
court when it ruled in favor of the ULC.
"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."
Here is the part of the decision which guarantees the legality of 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 of a newly organized religion with those of an
older, more established religion. Nor will the Court 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."
Why does your organization not send out email ordinations like
other ordination ministries?
The American Christian Defense Alliance, Inc. wants their ministers to be
taken seriously, and the only way for that to happen, is for each minister to
have proper documentation which includes an original signature from the
ACDA and this cannot be facilitated via email.
Furthermore, If a minister feels that their ministry is not worth the cost of an
ordination package, they should sincerely question their call from God. It is
clear to see where peoples heart is through the use of things like their time,
and money.
What documentation do I need to prove that I am ordained?
For legal reasons, ministers should have ordination papers in their
possession. These documents may be ordered from the ACDA store at your
convenience. Each of our documents are individually prepared and are not
down-loadable. Ordination credentials should have the following
characteristics:
Absolutely! However, some states have other requirements. It is important
that you check your local and state laws to make sure prior to performing any
ceremonies. You may need to register at your local court clerk. We provide
the ordination, the rest is up to you.
As an independent minister, it is your responsibility to comply with all of the
laws in affect at the time you perform a wedding. Failure to do so may
subject you to civil and criminal proceedings. We have compiled the state
laws regarding the performance of marriage, see the current laws here.
Please be advised that the following states are very restrictive as to whom
they will authorize to perform marriages: Delaware, Michigan, Missouri,
Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia. In
many cases, independent ministers are not allowed to perform marriages in
the above states. Make sure you contact the appropriate state offices to
determine whether or not you will be allowed to perform a marriage before
making any commitments.
Will my ordination be recognized by other churches?
It's possible, but most organizations have their own ordination requirements
and do not recognize ordinations issued by other religious organizations.
However, that decision rests completely within the organization that you are
applying to.
My pastor told me that my ordination is invalid because it didn't come
from a denomination. Is this true?
No! Your ordination carries the same legal weight that theirs does.
Denominational affiliation is not required in order to be ordained.
Is my ministry granted tax exempt status by ACDA?
No, only the IRS can grant tax exempt status. You need to apply directly to
them in your own name.
How do I go about incorporating my ministry and filing for 501 C 3 status? I
recommend talking with the IRS and reading these links from the IRS.
IRS Tax Excempt General Info
Application
Application Instructions
Reference List for Churches
Overview
General Info
Can my ordination be revoked?
Yes! If it is brought to our attention that you are not living a life consistent
with the scriptures or are not maintaining you status with the ACDA through
your yearly membership and tithing, then your ordination will be revoked. In
order to keep your ordination permanently, you must be living a life
consistent with the requirements found in the scriptures, maintain your tithe,
and renew a yearly membership.
It has been 1 week since I applied for ordination and I have not heard
anything, what is the status of my application?
Your application was denied for one of these reasons:
Ordination is recognition by an established religious organization and states
that you have met the requirements to enter their particular organization as a
minister. Entering this ministry is through the divine inspiration and the call of
God, not permission from men.
However, to ensure the safety of those being ministered to we do require a
complete background check. No sexual offenders will be permitted to serve
as American Christian Defense Alliance, Inc ministers in any capacity.
Is my ordination legal?
Absolutely! Ordinations are not controlled by any government agency.
Churches (in the United States) are allowed to determine who they may
ordain into their ministry. Once you are accepted by the American Christian
Defense Alliance, Inc. for ordination and added to our database than posted
on this website, then your ordination is as legally valid as anyone regardless
of denominational affiliation.
What makes online ordination legal?
In 1974 the ULC sued the Federal Government in response to a challenge
against the tax exempt status of the ULC. The ULC is a non-traditional non-
christian church based in California. The following are excerpts from the
court when it ruled in favor of the ULC.
"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."
Here is the part of the decision which guarantees the legality of 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 of a newly organized religion with those of an
older, more established religion. Nor will the Court 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."
Why does your organization not send out email ordinations like
other ordination ministries?
The American Christian Defense Alliance, Inc. wants their ministers to be
taken seriously, and the only way for that to happen, is for each minister to
have proper documentation which includes an original signature from the
ACDA and this cannot be facilitated via email.
Furthermore, If a minister feels that their ministry is not worth the cost of an
ordination package, they should sincerely question their call from God. It is
clear to see where peoples heart is through the use of things like their time,
and money.
What documentation do I need to prove that I am ordained?
For legal reasons, ministers should have ordination papers in their
possession. These documents may be ordered from the ACDA store at your
convenience. Each of our documents are individually prepared and are not
down-loadable. Ordination credentials should have the following
characteristics:
- 1. An original signature of the ordaining authority. (Some states now
require this to meet registration requirements)
2. An embossed seal of the ordaining authority. (This gives the
document the authenticity)
3. Be printed on high quality paper.
Absolutely! However, some states have other requirements. It is important
that you check your local and state laws to make sure prior to performing any
ceremonies. You may need to register at your local court clerk. We provide
the ordination, the rest is up to you.
As an independent minister, it is your responsibility to comply with all of the
laws in affect at the time you perform a wedding. Failure to do so may
subject you to civil and criminal proceedings. We have compiled the state
laws regarding the performance of marriage, see the current laws here.
Please be advised that the following states are very restrictive as to whom
they will authorize to perform marriages: Delaware, Michigan, Missouri,
Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia. In
many cases, independent ministers are not allowed to perform marriages in
the above states. Make sure you contact the appropriate state offices to
determine whether or not you will be allowed to perform a marriage before
making any commitments.
Will my ordination be recognized by other churches?
It's possible, but most organizations have their own ordination requirements
and do not recognize ordinations issued by other religious organizations.
However, that decision rests completely within the organization that you are
applying to.
My pastor told me that my ordination is invalid because it didn't come
from a denomination. Is this true?
No! Your ordination carries the same legal weight that theirs does.
Denominational affiliation is not required in order to be ordained.
Is my ministry granted tax exempt status by ACDA?
No, only the IRS can grant tax exempt status. You need to apply directly to
them in your own name.
How do I go about incorporating my ministry and filing for 501 C 3 status? I
recommend talking with the IRS and reading these links from the IRS.
IRS Tax Excempt General Info
Application
Application Instructions
Reference List for Churches
Overview
General Info
Can my ordination be revoked?
Yes! If it is brought to our attention that you are not living a life consistent
with the scriptures or are not maintaining you status with the ACDA through
your yearly membership and tithing, then your ordination will be revoked. In
order to keep your ordination permanently, you must be living a life
consistent with the requirements found in the scriptures, maintain your tithe,
and renew a yearly membership.
It has been 1 week since I applied for ordination and I have not heard
anything, what is the status of my application?
Your application was denied for one of these reasons:
- 1. You did not provide enough information to make a decision.
2. We did not feel that your application supported ordination.
3. We did not feel that it was in our ministries best interests.
4. You provided an invalid email address.
5. Your background information had suspicious activity
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| "Taking Action for the Kingdom of God" |