The Bishop's program has evolved from the requests and comments of our members. We have been asked many times to appoint a person in different areas to help local ministers in getting started, and to give advise about local codes. Every Bishop is an Ordained Minister of the Universal MinistriesThe Bishop is not a Legal advisor, nor will they offer tax information except as a private citizen. The Bishop will be a person that can guide members to sources for such information, and offer suggestions to help members develop their own Ministry in their area.

The Bishops of the Universal Ministries, unlike with many other religious organizations, do not in most instances hold any greater authority than any of our individual Ministers. The offices of Bishop hold an advisory roll instead of a multi-level hierarchy management position. The function of the office is to act as local source of information concerning Local, State, or Provincial regulations that effect the Minister’s authority within their home area.

Under the Universal Ministries Articles of Association the appointment of a Bishop to office is controlled under the office of Ordinations. The Chief officer of the office of Ordinations may appoint Bishops from the membership at large as desired to promote the Ministries' duties throughout the world. The Chief Officer of Ordinations shall determine the Duties, Restrictions, Privileges, and Authority of the Bishops within the guidelines of the Articles of Association. Appointment to the Status of Bishop shall fall under the exclusive authority of the Chief Ordaining Officer of the Universal Ministries.

The Bishops are persons that freely provide information to members in their area, and may when requested by a member, help in establishing a new independent Ministry or church for the member. The Bishop is not required to provide any services beyond advising members. The Bishops act as an advisory panel to the Home Ministries on a volunteer basis. As new programs are recommended to the Headquarters, the Bishops will have the ability to make suggestions, comments, and ideas to aid in establishing such programs prior to making them available.

Bishops will be appointed for cities with populations exceeding 50,000 people, counties that have no large cities within their borders, and small Provinces or Territories. Currently, Bishops will be appointed by the Chief Officer of Ordinations from the Bishops within different States, Provinces and larger Territories. In some cases, ArchBishops may act as the Ministries’ advisor for an entire country based on population, and number of members in the Ministries within a given country.

Duties of the Bishops:

• To aid members in finding local statutes or ordinances concerning religious practices.
• To suggest ways to create and promote a Member’s independent Ministry as an advisor of the Ministries at large.
• To sit on the Bishop advisory committee for the betterment of the Ministries at large.
• To promote the rights and freedoms of religious beliefs within the law.
• To promote the beliefs of the Ministries in all ways.

Privilege and Authority of the Bishop:

• Rightful use of the title of Bishop when being addressed or when addressing others.
• Right to be listed on the Official Headquarters site as Bishop of the area appointed to.
• Bishops may issue Letters of Good Standing for members in their area with the authority of the Ministries.
• Bishops may use the Official Logos of the Ministries on Official correspondence provided on the Ministries behalf.
• Bishops may attend official and private functions in the Capacity of their office.

Restrictions of the Bishops: 

• Bishops are advisory appointments only.
• No Bishop has the authority to remove, excommunicate, deny, or otherwise control another member’s rights of beliefs.
• No Bishop may deny, remove, or set aside any members ordained status within the Ministries.
• No Bishop may involve the Ministries at large in any criminal or civil action, or in any way cause harm to the Ministries or its members. No Bishop may cause the Ministries to be liable for indebtedness, levy, or lien from any party.
• No Bishops are allowed to contract on behalf of or for the Ministries in any form of business or monetary ventures.

The Chief Ordaining Officer has full authority to remove from office any Bishop due to infraction of the Ministries Doctrine, willfull neglect of duties, or violation of legal criminal codes.

Candidates for Bishop

Bishops will receive appointment on an annual basis. Each year new candidates may apply for the Bishops position in their area. All appointments will be handled on an equal basis with each New Year.

Appointment of the Bishop, as with any higher office, carries with it various costs in time, knowledge, and limited expense.

To seek appointment to Bishop:

• Every candidate must personally request appointment as Bishop of their area.
  • Every candidate will provide a statement of no less than 200 words on their ability to provide advisory services for the local area. This will be emailed to rev@universalministries.com or mailed to the Ministries Headquarters located at:
    
    

    Universal Ministries
    PO Box 31
    Milford, Illinois 60953
    USA
    

    
    If you mail your statement, please double space lines and format properly (paragraphs, proper capitalization and proper punctuation) Please use plain white standard letter-size paper (8-1/2" x 11").
    If you email your statement, please double space lines and format properly (paragraphs, proper capitalization and proper punctuation). Please use an easy-to-read font also.
    
• Every candidate will provide a phone number and time of best contact for the Chief Officer’s private registry.
• Every candidate will also provide an email address for members to contact them at.
• Every candidate will make a donation commitment of no less than $100.00 to the Bishop's Fund prior to final appointment.

What a Bishop receives upon appointment:

• Each Bishop will receive a certificate of Entitlement.
• Each Bishop will be provided with access to the Bishop's private advisory forum.  
• Each Bishop will be contacted by the Chief Officer of Ordinations with additional benefits provided through the Ministries.

Bishops will be contacted by the Chief Officer of Ordinations for discussions and benefits to enhance the ministries. The Chief Officer of Ordinations at this time also holds the distinction of being one of the Ministries original Founders, and as such will diligently seek to appoint members of the highest standard of knowledge and faith to these new offices. All appointments will be based on ability and for no other reason.

If you have read and understood all of the above, and you are interested in becoming a Bishop for your area, please start the process by donating now. After you send your donation, please see to your statement of ability.

Email rev@universalministries.com your statement (either before or immediately after you make donation).

And then make your formal Application and Donation commitment of $100.00

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