Purpose
GUTK licensed ministers are teachers from various theological backgrounds centered in African/ Indigenous spirituality. GUTK recognizes independent researchers and scholars of religion, history, and spirituality who have accepted their divine calling to minister as teachers of verifiable truth in their respective community. GUTK minister licenses are an endorsement of the applicant as a conscious spiritual leader, authorizing them to independently perform all of the rites, services and religious practices including marriage ceremonies, funeral services and all other pastoral services as provided for in this policy.
Independent Status
(a) No Employment Relationship
Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way be interpreted or construed as creating or establishing the relationship of employer and employee between GUTK or any employee or agent of the GUTK Licensed/ Ordained Minister (hereinafter “Minister”). All parties acknowledge that Minister is not an employee for state or federal tax purposes. As an independent minister, Minister is not entitled to any employee benefits of GUTK/ GUTK. Minister shall retain the right to perform ministerial/ pastoral services during the term of this Agreement so long as these services (i) are not inconsistent or incompatible with Minister’s obligations under this Agreement.
(b) No Authority to Bind Independent Minister
Minister has no authority to act, to enter into any contract, or to incur any liability on behalf of GUTK/ GUTK.
Minister Rights
As a licensed/ ordained minister you will have the authority to solemnize marriages, and perform other religious functions, such as baptisms and funerals.
Application Denial & Refunds
GUTK reviews the application, then approves or disapproves it based on the results from applicants online exam. After review of the examination, the applicant is notified by GUTK of the exam results. There will be no refunds. In the event that the application is not approved, applicant’s donation will be returned along with a letter from GUTK explaining its decision. There will be no refunds for any other reason.
Ministerial Duties
You will be expected to act with honesty and integrity, and to observe all local laws and regulations in performing your functions as a licensed/ ordained minister.
Code Of Ethics
To apply for ordination you must acknowledge and respect the GUTK Code Of Ethics.
Annual License Renewal (Licensed Ministers Only)
Renewal of Ministers License is the applicant’s sole responsibility and is done by completing the Application for Renewal as a licensed Minister and submitting the required yearly renewal fee with the renewal form. The Renewal Application will be sent to you automatically by GUTK every year, on the anniversary of your initial licensed date.
Annual Ministry Report (Ordained Ministers Only)
GUTK does not need a copy of any documents related to marriages, funerals, or naming ceremonies (unless and until they become recognized by state governments). However, on the application for license renewal Ministers will be required to report only the total number of services performed during the prior year.
Revocation of License/ Ordination
GUTK may revoke your ordination if:
- You do not adhere to the rules as stated herein.
- You do not contact GUTK to renew your annual ministers license.
- You do not renew your annual ministers license when due.
- We are unable to contact you because you have moved, changed your phone number and/ or email, and you have not updated your certification records with GUTK.
- You in any way bring yourself or your spiritual faculties into public disrepute.
- You are found to be working, teaching, etc., for any entity found to be a competitor of GUTK.
- You consistently schedule your lectures, classes, or any service/ event on the same date as any other GUTK licensed minister within a 50 mile radius.
- You are found knowingly teaching falsehoods.
License & Ordination Limitations
A GUTK license/ ordination is valid only if the information you submit is factually accurate and submitted in good faith. Becoming a GUTK licensed/ ordained minister will not constitute a financial relationship between you and GUTK. For more information, please see the GUTK Terms of Service.
FREE GUTK Membership
This offer is only valid for ministers who have never received minister credentials from GUTK previously. This offer is not valid for ministers who are renewing their minister credentials. GUTK membership levels range from $200 - $1000 annually. GUTK recommends that minister make monthly donations towards his/ her membership; the total donation amount at the end of the year will determine the membership level the minister will receive within GUTK. If the minimum annual renewal fee is not received by the renewal due date, the said membership will be suspended.
Same Sex Marriages
GUTK ministers do not officiate gay/ same sex marriages. GUTK supports life - not death. From a historical context GUTK bears witness that if our ancestors practiced same sex marriages we would not be in existence today as their descendants with the ability to give praise and worship to the Almighty Creator. GUTK ministers will have his/ her licensed suspended without refund if he/ she is using their GUTK credentials to officiate same sex marriages.
