I was ordained on the internet but only got the title of 'reverend'

To The Daily Sun,

I read Denise Burke's recent letter with interest. I agree that "Bishop" Paul W. Blake was way out of line for claiming to know that a local business is having difficulty because they operate a fine eatery in a former Laconia church. The Bishop seems to know that God wants the business to be unsuccessful. Actually, I think the food at the Holy Grail is quite good! And, it is a very creative idea.

But, more to the point, like Ms. Burke, I also wonder about Bishop Blake's theological credentials considering that he claims to speak for the Almighty. One possibility, Ms. Burke, is that he is a clergyman with the Universal Life Church (ULC). I, too, am a minister of the ULC and, since the Constitution does not allow religious discrimination, I can actually perform weddings.

I was ordained by the ULC online. The ordination is free but free membership only gives one the title of "reverend." However, if you send them money, you can pick a title with a framed certificate of ordination. Any title that tickles your fancy. You can be a Priest, a Deacon, a Hieromonk, a Lama, a Bodhisattva a Bishop, an Archbishop, a Rabbi, a Rebbe, a Witch, a Warlock, a Shaman, a High Priest or Priestess, an Elder, an Imam, or even a Grand Exalted Poobah! For more money, you can get advanced degrees in any field of religious studies.

I have a friend who got the title of "Abbot." Thus, this person outranks me. I am seriously thinking about sending in my money and getting the title of "Costello."

E. Scott Cracraft

Gilford