ULPT Request: I need to be a member of a church in good standing in 3 weeks

[-]

KnightofNoone@reddit

I never changed my church when I moved away from home, but still went to my childhood parish once in a while, and they vouched for me. Maybe a church you went to when you were younger could work? It's a stretch and it helps if you know the parish

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moomooraincloud@reddit

Why not forge it?

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IsleOfOne@reddit

If it's catholic, don't bother. They are serious about it. Letter must come direct from the parish.

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moomooraincloud@reddit

Yeah, just forge it anyway.

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NJBarFly@reddit

I haven't been to church in 40 years. I needed a copy of my baptism cert and a list of my sacraments for the church my girlfriend wants to get married in. I just called. They were friendly and mailed them out the next day. OP said he was christened, he could do the same.

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IsleOfOne@reddit

"in good standing" means that he needs to have been showing attendance for 3-6 months, depending on the sect.

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NJBarFly@reddit

They don't take attendance.

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IsleOfOne@reddit

Envelopes in the collection are used to take attendance. Even for those who give online, you are asked to put an envelope in the collection with your name on it as a form of attendance.

I promise that your church has these records. Well, I take that back, because there are some non-compliant hippy Catholic parishes. But the vast majority use the collection plate for attendance records.

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pm-me-souplantation@reddit

This is not at all true. We just had to do some stuff for a family members communion and the church was totally easy to deal with.

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IsleOfOne@reddit

Where did I say that they were difficult about it? I just said not to bother trying to forge a letter. The Catholic Church is very specific about what "good standing" means (6 months of consistent mass attendance) and wants the letter to come directly from your home parish, not from you.

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MattObserve@reddit

In Germany it’s in general more likely that it’s evangelical. More Protestants over there

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SiFlyghtz@reddit

In English "evangelical" is a specific sub-sect of Protestantism, its different than "evangelisch". Anyway, Germany has slightly more Catholics (24%) than Protestants (21%)

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dangerpoint@reddit

Yeah, there are some pertinent details OP left out of their post, like the denomination of the church he will be visiting.

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SwevenlyOly@reddit

Find a lapsed Jesuit, offer them some excellent weed, discuss theology, then ask them for a letter affirming your Catholicism.

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longpas@reddit

I'm not sure if this will work, but it sounds fun, so OP might as well try it. If the whole

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rightwist@reddit

I for one would be honored to offer a drink, bud, or shrooms to Father Nathan Monk

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ItsTheTymz@reddit

Jump online and get your ordained license and show up like a boss

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clemfandangoihearu@reddit

Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster will ordain anyone who can pay the fee.

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Nerdsamwich@reddit

Universal Life Church will do it for free.

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SuitableExercise7096@reddit

Universal Life Church

https://ulc.net/get-ordained/

Its real lol

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moomooraincloud@reddit

Nobody said it wasn't.

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brkgnews@reddit

Yup, we had a friend get ordained there to do our wedding.

BTW, you can also get them (for a fee) to issue you basically any religious title you prefer. Don't know if they would record you as a Pope, but their website specifically shows that you can choose "Archbishop"

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OneApprehensive327@reddit

Does Universal life insurance come with it. Asking for a friend!!

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leisuresuitbruce@reddit

Term.

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lostinexiletohere@reddit

I am ordained through them and have performed several weddings

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Emergency_Pound_944@reddit

I'm a member.

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LivytheHistorian@reddit

Actually I’m pretty sure only the card costs money. I’m a card carrying ordained ministroni from this delicious organization.

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clemfandangoihearu@reddit

May He touch you with His noodly appendages! R’amen!

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Ballytal@reddit

I did it, and got my dad one too!

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clemfandangoihearu@reddit

May He touch you with his noodly appendages! R’amen!

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Dr__Snow@reddit

“Member of the church?” Slam license down in front of priest “Bitch, I AM the church”

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xtnh@reddit

My son told us that he was engaged, they were getting married in four weeks, they wanted it small, and Mom would officiate. He then texted her a web site and she got ordained in time for the ceremony.

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theco2@reddit

I had a couple of shady bosses, so it all makes sense.

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Potential-Leg-9300@reddit

Yes but christian churches generally don’t do that.

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7148675309@reddit

This reminds me of the Simpsons episode where Patti asks Homer to officiate her wedding, and Marge doesnt like it because it means acknowledging that Patti is gay - and Homer doesnt care because money is money

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Madness_and_Mayhem@reddit

gif

Money buys donuts

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foresight310@reddit

Two minutes into the ceremony - “thank you pastor, I’ll take it from here…”

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serjsomi@reddit

Thanks. I lol'd reading this

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AGenericUnicorn@reddit

This is the way.

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Large_Gate4083@reddit

Find letter head from a church in PNG or somewhere in East Africa with an obscure language where even AI would have a hard time translating it into German, and say you have previously done missionary work.

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AdInternational8860@reddit

There’s literally nothing illegal about making your own letter with a made up church.

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HellaWonkLuciteHeels@reddit

Shoot, rich people do it all the time to not pay taxes AND fleece people for a tithe.

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SwevenlyOly@reddit

Making up The Fifth Column Church for tax evasion purposes is good praxis, even.

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HellaWonkLuciteHeels@reddit

Jesus was all about tax evasion. Just uh, maybe not like that.

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SwevenlyOly@reddit

My brother in Christ, have you not heard tell of el evangelio según el fusil?

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HellaWonkLuciteHeels@reddit

It’s new gospel, you would know it.

gif

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SwevenlyOly@reddit

Those earrings are amazing.

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shoulda-known-better@reddit

There are absolutely churches online for exactly this stuff..... Many different ones actually just look

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Kitcat187@reddit

I literally just had to do this so I could be the godmother to my nephew.

Got the godparent form from the diocese where my nephew is to be baptized, filled it out and emailed that and a completed church membership form to my local parish. Told them that I just moved to the area and they had the priest sign the form the next day.

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TheHollyHockCrest1@reddit

You can go online and become a ordained minister of the universal life church in like an hour for about $75-$100. I did it so I could do the wedding of a cpl of friends. You get a badge and a certificate and all that. You can buy a “marriage pack” that comes with a cpl certificates of marriage that are pre notarized and your signature will count on a marriage license. And the news letter is actually a pretty good read. It’s all faiths so it’s kinda cool when they talk about some faiths I know nothing about.

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Livid-Pilot-1879@reddit

Starting your bonefide Christian Life with a "white lie", not a good choice..

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mandi723@reddit

I would ask around. Just be honest. I'm sure you can find some church to write a letter.

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Mm2k@reddit

https://www.template.net/edit-online/296161/church-membership-letter-from-pastor

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UnethicalLifeProTips-ModTeam@reddit

Link doesn't work.

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CraZcraaacker@reddit

You sir, are now a member of Haven Bliss church in GA. Welcome

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Additional-Simple248@reddit

Haven Bliss church sounds more like Montana (Far Cry 5).

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no12chere@reddit

Is OP from a non german speaking country? Even easier just use his local language and write up a simple note

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CttCJim@reddit

This should be the top comment.

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natalo77@reddit

Ask and ye shall receive

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Klutzy-Comment6897@reddit

All praise Mm2k.

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Attygalle@reddit

I, for one, welcome our new Mm2k overlord

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murse_joe@reddit

I feel like you’re fine if you name it something generic like Holy Family or Good Shepherd and put it in a major city.

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Resse811@reddit

This looks fake as shit. No church will write a letter like this. Sorry but if you’re gonna fake it - make it simple don’t add in a bunch of weird religious shit.

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SaltyDog556@reddit

Joel Osteen shrugs in disbelief and tells you to contribute double for your sins.

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Lilredh4iredgrl@reddit

Also make sure you give the name and number of a friend in case they call. They probably won't but cover your bases.

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Lilredh4iredgrl@reddit

This is the way.

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Sintarsintar@reddit

Just sign up for universal life ministries and get a legitimate legal Reverend in good standing letter.

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slothysloths13@reddit

I’m sorry if I just don’t have reading comprehension, but you have to pay special taxes in Germany if you’re a member of a church?

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bngFXG3MDuau@reddit

I think it's that you already pay the taxes and then the government gives them to your church of choice.

I'm pretty sure it's how they rounded up all the Jews, they had a list of everyone sending their tax money to non-Catholic Churches.

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slothysloths13@reddit

Ahhh, that makes sense.

When I was trying to look it up, I did do a double take noticing that outside of Christian churches, the other one listed was Judaism.

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Trick_Flaky@reddit

You can literally use ChatGPT for this

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SSPRacquetballPod@reddit

I promise you can get a letter like this online from a church for a small “donation”

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ShesGotaChicken2Ride@reddit

Maybe a mega church like Harvest Christian?

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minun73@reddit

That’s the craziest stuff I’ve ever heard of. I wouldn’t bother, churches be nuts.

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jeremiah1142@reddit

New German Netflix show just dropped: “How to Become Church Member Online (Fast)”

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Ghrrum@reddit

I'm a member in good standing of Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption, leader there is a good guy and won't mind fudging some numbers if you can get ahold of him.

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sewingmomma@reddit

Fiver

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GeoHog713@reddit

You can join any methodist church, any Sunday.

Go into the church office the next week, explain the situation, and ask for a letter. They may not know what kind of letter you need, though.

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Wonderful-Victory947@reddit

Meer with a pastor from a church that meets your needs. Tell them you have seen the error of your ways and want to join their congregation ASAP. Make a reasonable donation, and you are in.

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laughing_cat@reddit

How close are you to your friend? Did they not know you’re not a member of a church? And if they know, do they just expect you to finagle something somehow?

And isn’t part of being a godparent ensuring the child will be brought up in this religion if needed? Why would your friend choose you? And if your friend doesn’t care about your religion or whether you’re doing your duty as god parent, what the hell is going on?

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ramblinjd@reddit

I'm an ordained minister in the church of gnomes. I can write you a letter of good standing. I can even do it in German.

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benkovic@reddit

The letter should be in English, German, and Gnome.

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rubbingitdown@reddit

Sounds like a way for the church to make money while controlling your beliefs. How strange.

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littleweinerthinker@reddit

Make fake papers

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jatguy@reddit

Just FYI, it normally needs to be the same denomination so make sure that’s the case.

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Coneskater@reddit (OP)

Thanks but that doesn’t matter, the requirement has more to do with being in a church which if I was in that country would mean paying church taxes, but since I live abroad just means I need to be in any church.

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ANormalNinjaTurtle@reddit

Look into your local Methodist church. I had to get baptized for reasons and they were the only ones thst would do it without classes or a drawn out process. Im not religious and it didnt bother me much to play the system. Just try being honest with the minister and see what they say.

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DMmeDuckPics@reddit

Just curious.. but what reasons can you require someone to get baptised?

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circuitdust@reddit

The only requirement I have for someone to get baptized is if they want to join the church. But that’s more because professing membership is more of a legal thing (serving on boards and committees.) Otherwise, I don’t require baptisms for really anything, weddings, communion, etc. I’d encourage you to get baptized if you were interested in faith, but that’s about it.

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ANormalNinjaTurtle@reddit

Someone already called it. Getting married to a Catholic. The church she wanted the ceremony/services performed required I be baptized into a Christian religion. I was never baptized as a child so I had to do some research and talk to different churches in my area. They didn't care that I was a card carrying member/minster of the ULC.

Ive always been pretty agnostic. So I figured god would forgive me if they exist. I had initially planned on telling a story about how I found god but I figured it wasn't good karma either way to lie to the priests and ministers I talked to. The Methodist minister seemed to appreciate my honesty. Results may vary.

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circuitdust@reddit

Im a Methodist pastor, I was going to say, we might be one of the easier ones to get connected to. Shoot, if OP watched a few of my sermons online, and emailed me about them I’d probably sign a letter to that effect for them.

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Own-Nefariousness-79@reddit

Church taxes?

Amazing.

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Merkenfighter@reddit

Performative bullshit

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onthenextmaury@reddit

Unitarian Universalist checking in. Go to a UU church, explain this and walk away with a letter from the minister. We respect all forms of worship and don't give a shit about the specifics.

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-SQB-@reddit

You're looking for r/BeMyReference.

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tipyourwaitresstoo@reddit

This. With all the bs churches get into, I’m sure there’s someone with church credentials willing to write this letter. Hell, it’s probably a template with a fee; as easy as getting your shot records or college transcripts.

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Internal_Cake_7423@reddit

The ULPT is to find an online church that will accept you.

But really most churches need paying members so if you go to any church and ask to become a member they will accept you.

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leisuresuitbruce@reddit

Find one of those storefront churches in a strip mall. Offer the pastor a hundred bucks for the letter.

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iced_coffee_242@reddit

I was in a similar situation a few years ago. I joined a church of the same denomination, and during the registration process made a big deal about how I was joining because I had just moved to the area and was so excited to become a part of the parish community, and at the same time mentioned I was excited to soon become a godmother to my friend’s beautiful baby. I went to Sunday Mass every week for 2-3 weeks, reminded them the week before the baptism I was becoming a godmother and asked if they could give me anything that I could bring to the church of the baptism, and they handed me a signed form acknowledging my church membership and solid attendance. This was 4 years ago and I’ve only attended twice since.

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ideapit@reddit

Fake the letter.

No one is going to check your credentials.

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kindness-and-snusu@reddit

I’ll get you a letter saying this bud.

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Coneskater@reddit (OP)

really? connected to a real church?

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kindness-and-snusu@reddit

Universal Life Church.

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Miami_Mice2087@reddit

I think you're gonna have to talk to them and tell them this isn't done in America and you're not that christian. What are you going to do if they expect you to actually know something religious? Or if in 10 years you're supposed to show up for the kid's first holy communion? I think you should should still go to the christening, but step down as god parent. And do it as soon as possible so they can find someone else.

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not_me_man@reddit

A church that requires this is definitely going to care about it being a compatible variant of their belief. Make sure you don’t fake join the wrong sect.

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Awsomethingy@reddit

“You’re… Muslim?”

“Oh, sorry. It’s the page after.”

“Buddhist?”

“Next page.”

“Catholic?”

“Born and raised, your worship.”

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LieutenantStar2@reddit

I haha’d

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theedevilbynight@reddit

Not unethical (sorry): call around. Maaaaaaaany many many years ago, I was a lost kid, considering Israeli citizenship (hey look, there’s the unethical!). Had never belonged to a temple or had the ceremonies, but they use Hitler’s Law for citizenship—meaning if you were Jewish enough to be Holocausted, you’re automatically allowed to go through the citizenship process. I found a random temple near me, met with the rabbi and brought my Yiddish-speaking grandmother along, and walked out with a letter on the same day. Never actually went through w citizenship btw—turns out I was feeling lost not because I needed to return to the motherland, but bc I needed to go to rehab. A mistake anyone could make at that age!

UU, Episcopalian, and Methodist churches are pretty open, from what I know. May be good to start trying there.

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Hot_Depth_3367@reddit

That was worth reading. Turns out rehab!

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20Factorial@reddit

https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/join-us

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BZ2USvets81@reddit

OP: "I need to be a member of a Christian church..."

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Thetormentnexus@reddit

Wild that some one down voted you.

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BZ2USvets81@reddit

It's Reddit.

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Thetormentnexus@reddit

True. If I am correct they are doing a lot of pro freedom of religion stuff a few states over from where I live. That's awesome. But they are not Christian nor do they advertise as such. I have a friend from school who joined them. I respect her freedom to do that and yours. Thank you for fighting for freedom of religion and people's right to be agnostic or atheist.

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BZ2USvets81@reddit

You have it pretty close. The Seven Tenets will give more perspective.

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Miss_Happ@reddit

This one’s good too. I think I been living under a rock.

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Critical_Opening_526@reddit

Also a member. I'm wearing the hoodie in purple today!

Nobody ever says anything

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BZ2USvets81@reddit

Nice! Nobody has ever said anything about my Baphomet shirt or the Seven Tenets hung in my office. I did get a dirty look from someone while on a cruise last year. I was wearing the Baphomet shirt in rainbow colors. They were wearing a shirt supporting a man who likes to wear red hats. I had to laugh about that one.

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Thetormentnexus@reddit

I would feel much safer next you. Though I've heard cruises can be rough if you have stomach problems...

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BZ2USvets81@reddit

Nah. The big ships are fine as long as the weather isn't really bad.

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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]

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Thetormentnexus@reddit

Thank you for the info.

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Azelixi@reddit

Maybe because, it's a joke and you're taking it way too seriously.

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SyberKai@reddit

That's scientology, not satanism

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BZ2USvets81@reddit

Prolly

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liftguy111@reddit

I sell a “If we wanted Jesus to return we would have nailed him to a boomerang!” sticker.

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Miss_Happ@reddit

Ha, ha, pretty funny, I never saw that one before

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20Factorial@reddit

It’s a joke. This is ULPT, after all.

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Inconspicuous_Shart@reddit

I am an ordained minister of the universal life church. Consider this proof of being a parishioner.

Rev. Inconspicuous_Shart

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AShaughRighting@reddit

Leave it to a church to ban you from something cause you didn't pay the "tax".

FUCK ALL RELIGIONS. They are ALL man made and a literal joke.

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EmpunktAtze@reddit

Nobody cares about stuff like that.

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Coneskater@reddit (OP)

Church membership in Germany where the ceremony is happening is different (it's part of their tax code). They need to see a letter or something official.

I don't care if you care about it, but they do and that's all that matters.

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Ok_Giraffe_17@reddit

Babes, instead of being snarky, include the bit about Germany in the post - it's vital information in offering advice.

And if this is how you react to strangers offering advice you asked for, god parent is not the right role for you - your guidance and decision making skills are are knee jerk and immature.

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Kokohontas@reddit

I didn’t get snarky from their comment. Also it’s a bit dramatic to say they are not fit to be a godparent just from that one comment

gif

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Coneskater@reddit (OP)

oh and they blocked me so I can't even see their comments, wow

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HellaWonkLuciteHeels@reddit

gif

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Terrorclitus@reddit

LOL

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kyriacos74@reddit

I wish you had put this tiny, insignificant detail in your original post.

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Coneskater@reddit (OP)

I did say:

and in three weeks I’m travelling internationally from the U.S. to be part of the ceremony. One thing we overlooked, for me to be a part of the event, I need to be a member of a Christian church in good standing and have some kind of proof to that effect.

The ins and out of German Church Tax aren't the relevant issue here, the why I need it is less relevant than figuring out how to get it.

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kyriacos74@reddit

It's not about the tax laws. It's the fact that you need a letter. You never said that. People are trying to get you certificates, photos, etc.

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Coneskater@reddit (OP)

Okay, updated.

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Ohmslaw42@reddit

I'm sure if you explain the situation to the minister, a Unitarian Universalist church could help you.

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No-Falcon631@reddit

Stigmata

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Either-Cover-6667@reddit

Create the letter yourself. Trick is to create the letterhead first & make sure it looks professional. Include the full name of the church, address, phone #. Someone submitted a letter of ‘volunteer hours completed’ to court & they accepted it without even questioning it.

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hinesenberg@reddit

If you have a small local church, maybe just ask them in earnest? They might be super chill and understanding. And if not, just be sure not to give them enough info that they can notify the germans that you're cold calling churches lol

Might help even more if you have a friend or family member willing to vouch for you at their church

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Joe-Stapler@reddit

Print a fake church directory.

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vlegionv@reddit

Have you tried NOT doing the unethical thing and tried asking a few local churches?

Pastors are human beings with pastoral discretion and human empathy (cue anti-religion jokes here). Huge chance that seeing you're taking this so seriously that you're playing by the books AND traveling across the world to be in this kids life that they'll just write the letter for you because they see it as taking the responsibility seriously.

I'm all about ULPT but I swear so many people just ignore the easy ethical route.

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svenguillotien@reddit

Most rational take on here, to be sure

I also like ULPT but seriously if you ask something with dignity, respect, and kindness from someone with the power to give you an easy favor, so many people would just say yes

"Ask and ye shall receive" lol

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vlegionv@reddit

Seriously lmao.
I'm an apathetic agnostic and if I was in OP's shoes this is what I would do.
Alot of smaller pastors who don't run megachurches will get their feel good points from this tiny favor at the cost of a conversation and church letterhead lmao.

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stargazer777@reddit

This would simply be a hard pass for me. Would not be joining a church because of some silly technical rule for a ceremony. Guess what, they can still call you the child's Godparent and you can assume the role of a loving life mentor with our without the silly ceremony. It's all made up stuff anyway.

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nonnonplussed73@reddit

Yeah, I would have declined on principle, in addition to truthfully not being a good fit for this friend. A friend who should have known better in the first place than asking the OP.

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LJski@reddit

Meh.

Like any organization, churches have requirements and metrics.

Anyone can come to our church, and no one requires you to become a member or pay anything. We have people who have attended for years, and never officially joined. However, if you want membership, you have to show some sort of commitment. In our case, it usually is just a 4-6 weekly class, and a profession of faith.

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gossipchicken@reddit

It’s all a cult anyhow might as meet your metrics

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Fairly_Sterile@reddit

This is the way

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FarmerFrance@reddit

Just have an ai model create the proof you need. I will say that it's kinda funny that you need real proof that you belong to a group that believes in imaginary stuff 😂

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Maggpie916@reddit

Love it… We need verifiable evidence that you believe in our imaginary god who is in no way verifiable

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MeatloafingAround@reddit

This is the way to go. If you give your address or phone number to a real church, they’re gonna pester the shit out of you for much longer than you want.

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Fairly_Sterile@reddit

Yeah no. I'd find a different kid to be the godfather of. This is crazy.

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SwevenlyOly@reddit

Counterpoint: This kid will need a good Godfather to undo all of the religious trauma they will suffer.

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Purlz1st@reddit

Unitarian Universalist.

https://www.nuuc.org/connection/become-a-member/

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Available_Plant_5063@reddit

Are you baptized? Have you done any sacraments? If you have, go to the largest parish in your area and call the church secretary and explain how you attend, tithe in cash, and are not sure how to get a letter of good standing. I dont think the letter is too hard.

What's difficult is if you have to take that Baptism class in a short amount of time.

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SwevenlyOly@reddit

Germany: "You must complete and submit the proper Taufzeuge application form with a letter of support substantiating your church membership and sufficient tax-deductible donations in the past calendar year..."

AMERICAN, BY THE GRACE OF GOTT: "Here's a letter from the First Church of Our Lady Lindsay Graham, preacher-man."

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Coneskater@reddit (OP)

Basically exactly this 😆🤣

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query_squidier@reddit

So, can we talk about this whole religion thing again, guys?

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electricsugargiggles@reddit

When my sister (who lives several states away) named me as her son’s godmother, we agreed that it meant that I would absolutely be willing to raise my nephew in the event of her death (yes she has a will), and that I get to buy him the 2nd biggest presents lol. She knew I wasn’t religious, though we were raised Catholic. She gave me a heads up that I needed a letter from “my parish” to make things official.

I live near several churches of various denominations. I went to Mass at the closest Catholic church, and afterwards asked for a letter. I said that I had been attending off and on but didn’t realize I had to officially register. I then handed in my cash donation and they sent me an official letter declaring me a member in good standing.

Yes, I lied to the priest’s face. Yes, they probably knew I was lying. Yes, my $20 or whatever it was probably helped.

The priest’s homily reminded me why I don’t align myself with the Church. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (2005), this priest chose to discuss the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), twisting the story to sound like the poor people of New Orleans should have prepared better and their fate was their own fault. It really made me sick, hearing how hypocritical of this was of caring for the vulnerable.

I didn’t mind lying to this jerk. I’d do it again!

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gxbcab@reddit

Most churches I’ve been to have little envelopes in the pews or in the greeting hall and one of the envelopes is usually an application to become a church member. You just fill it out and drop it in the collection plate or hold onto it and pass it to the preacher when he’s standing at the door greeting people as they leave. Church attendance has been decreasing lately so most churches are pretty desperate for new members.

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beuceydubs@reddit

What happens after you drop the envelope off though? Do they ever reach back out and confirm?

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Guilty_Objective4602@reddit

Often you get contacted, asked to pay a certain amount for membership dues, scheduled for a Sunday to participate, and then have to stand up in front of the whole church and pledge that you’ll be a member in good standing and uphold the church by your goods and deeds yada yada or some such pledge, and then get accepted into membership. Asking for written proof immediately thereafter might be a little sus.

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donatecrypto4pets@reddit

It is money/ souls for eternity, so yes.

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lowselfesteemx1000@reddit

Is it just some sort of letter they need and how far ahead of time do they need it? Find some small church with no website and forge a document.

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BfloAnonChick@reddit

This all day. You can whip up a LOVELY letterhead logo in Canva Free.

I was a church administrator for 20 years, and would sometimes do letters like this so someone could go be a godparent somewhere. Text was typically along the lines of:

“To whom it may concern:

This letter documents that John Doe is a member in good standing of Name of Church, and has been a member since Month XX, 20XX.

In Christ, Pastor’s Name”

And then I’d have the pastor sign it.

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shortbarrelflamer@reddit

https://www.spaghettimonster.org/

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Lilredh4iredgrl@reddit

Hi there! I'm ordained through the ULC, I'll write you a letter and confirm that yes, you are a member in good standing.

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Straight_Ace@reddit

Any church or that church specifically?

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Michaelleahcim00@reddit

Is this a joke? You can't be a godfather. Edit: just saw this is UnethicalLifeProTips. Make a fake certificate online and you're good to go :D

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Nerd_Porter@reddit

Just say it's against your religion to discuss the specifics of your religion.

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traffke@reddit

"I'm an undercover Christian"

"..."

"You've never heard about it? That means it's working 😎. God bless you, baby"

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Shintasama@reddit

"I'm an undercover Christian"

This was/is a thing in Nagasaki.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakure_Kirishitan

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Borgqueen-@reddit

Before I could christen my nephew as his godmother, I had to bring to the pastor proof that I attended Mass in my own parish for a certain number of months before the baptism and attend a class with the pastor.

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OwnTurn1146@reddit

The Church of the Latter-Day Dude has letters of good standing for $5. Got one when I became an ordained Dudeist Priest a couple years ago.

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svejkOR@reddit

For 40$ you can become a pastafarian pastor.

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unfinished_diy@reddit

Are your parents members of a church? Grandparents? Depending on your age, sometimes churches will write a letter for family members.

Do you know what specific religion the couple/ their baby are? There isn’t much point in joining a Lutheran church if it’s a Catholic ceremony.

Catholic baptism has a lot of swearing over the baby, to a priest, in front of an audience that you plan to help raise the baby in the Catholic faith. Just know what you are signing up for! Honestly the easiest thing might be to step aside.

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AdministrativeAd1773@reddit

https://www.ulc.org/landing/get-ordained?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=205062787&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-pHPBhCdARIsAHXYWP9a3nrGtNeSpGZxVw36ETXLPuj2XmsLjCVJxGWWADdPhnRvCGJ9L3oaArpAEALw_wcB

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bschoolprof_mookie@reddit

I did this a few years back so I could perform my brother's marriage ceremony. Super easy

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MPeckerBitesU@reddit

This was going to be my reply.

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brainhack3r@reddit

For $50 Universal Life Church made me a Minister.

I can perform marriages.

I did this so I could jump ahead in line for a covid vaccination back in 2021.

I was mad that I was isolating the whole time but pastors/ministers could get in line before me.

So I bought my way in and it worked. Got my covid vaccine like six months before everyone else :)

You could/should do the same thing.

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Chimes320@reddit

Money. Make a donation, they’ll take you.

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wote89@reddit

So, digging around a little bit "in good standing" seems to basically be "was baptized and hasn't declared themselves not to be one" since that seems to be sufficient criteria for immigrants to be taxed.

So, I'd say see if you can get the congregation/denomination you were baptized in to give you a letter certifying that it happened and that might well be enough (might help to see if your friend can double check it on his end).

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poop_report@reddit

Find a Universal Life Church minister and ask him or her or them for a letter.

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richb0199@reddit

If you just create some bogus documentation and get it notarized, why would that not work? Do the German churchies have that much insight into the US church scene?

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UmweltUndefined@reddit

You have the paper that’s shows you were christened? That should be enough, or ask for a list of documents they find acceptable

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Imaginary_Bridge1641@reddit

Yes you can join church immediately. Go to the nearest Baptist church and pledge your faith and love to Jesus and get Baptized!

God is Good!

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