Will the Universal Life Church Continue In The Future?



It is difficult to predict the long-term durability of any religious movement, particularly one organized around a relatively unconventional institutional model. The Universal Life Church presents a useful case in this regard because it has historically placed less emphasis on centralized doctrine, formal missional traditions, or conventional denominational structures than many other religious organizations. Nevertheless, the available evidence suggests that the ULC has continued, and in some respects expanded, since the death of its founder, Kirby Hensley, more than twenty-five years ago. Since approximately 2006, following the death of Hensley’s wife, leadership appears to have been associated principally with Hensley’s son, Andre Hensley. Andre’s leadership style seems to differ markedly from that of his father: whereas Kirby Hensley was highly public-facing, Andre appears to have preferred a more private or behind-the-scenes role, with relatively few media appearances. Publicly available sources indicate that Andre was born in 1958, which would make him approximately 68 years old at the time of this writing. On that basis alone, it is plausible that he could remain involved in ULC leadership for several more years, though any claim about succession must remain speculative.1

The limited public record also suggests that several members of the Hensley family have had some connection to the organization. Based on the available information, Andre Hensley has three children who have been identified in relation to ULC activities:

Kalena, his daughter, has reportedly worked at the Universal Life Church office from a young age and has edited the monthly newsletter.

Joshua (Josh), his son, has also been described as having worked with the church.

James, another son, has likewise been reported to have worked part-time at the church office.

This family connection is partly corroborated by Lida Hensley’s 2007 obituary, which lists five grandchildren: Joshua, James, Kalena, Liberty, and Melody. The latter two appear to be associated with Andre’s brother, Kirby Anthony Hensley.2



Taken together, these details indicate that multiple family members have been involved, at least at some point, in the operations or public life of the ULC after Kirby Hensley’s death. There is also no immediately visible evidence, in the sources consulted here, of a major public family split or rivalry that would obviously threaten institutional continuity. Still, the absence of public conflict should not be mistaken for confirmation of a settled succession plan. A 2020 online comment attributed to Kalena Hensley does, however, suggest continued personal investment in the future of the family church.



December 21, 2020 at 6:07 AM

“My name is Kalena Hensley. I am a minister/advocate, longtime congregant, former employee, current volunteer as well as the granddaughter of the founders and daughter of the current Pastor/President.

We stil fight for your first ammendment rights and religious freedoms. I've had the beautiful gift of being raised by all 3 presidents while being raised and taught my whole life that we ar[e] one.”3



Because the relevant family members appear to maintain limited public profiles, it is difficult to assess their current involvement in day-to-day operations. Kalena’s comment may indicate that at least some members of the next generation understand themselves as connected to the church’s ongoing mission and institutional identity. Even so, it would be too strong to conclude that a formal transition is already in place. A more cautious interpretation is that the ULC’s future may depend less on doctrinal consolidation than on whether the Hensley family, or another internal leadership structure, can continue to provide administrative continuity. In that sense, the organization’s long-term prospects remain open but not necessarily uncertain in a negative sense. The available evidence permits cautious optimism, while still requiring that any prediction about succession or future growth be treated as speculative. Given the data available, it seems reasonable that the ULC may continue to ordain ministers and fight for first amendment rights for decades to come.



Sources



1. https://aulc.us/history-of-ulc/

2. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-feb-04-tm-ulc05-story.html

3. https://califias.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-universal-life-church.html?m=1




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