Questionable Credentials

November 19, 2013 3:46 PM

I want to acquire unusual certificates. Something along the lines of Certificate of Ordination at Church of the Latter Day Dude and the amusing (and fake) Certificate of Virginity. What are the (preferably legally recognized) certificates out there?
posted by pakoothefakoo to Law & Government (8 answers total)

Ordination documents from the Universal Life Church!
posted by codswallop at 3:51 PM on November 19, 2013 [5 favorites]

Best answer: Some inspiration here: Previously. Even older.
posted by travelwithcats at 3:56 PM on November 19, 2013

if the universal life church is too vanilla for your palate, the church of the subgenius features x-ist aliens from outer space, an enigmatic central figure j.r. "bob" dobbs, and of course, the doctrine of "slack", and they at least used to recognize (ordain?) affiliates for a nominal payment.
posted by bruce at 4:02 PM on November 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I don't see it in the previouslies: You can become a Pastafarian Minister with Certificate of Ordination from the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster for $20. Your name will be added to the official registry of ordained FSM ministers.
posted by evilmomlady at 4:45 PM on November 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

Best answer: More previously
posted by politikitty at 4:55 PM on November 19, 2013

Best answer: For the princely sum of $35 you can become an ordained minister of the Church of the Subgenius. I believe this includes an official-looking Doktorate of Forbidden Sciences and a membership card for your wallet.
posted by usonian at 11:00 AM on November 20, 2013

(I would have sworn I did a Ctrl+F for 'Subgenius' before responding. Sorry for the double recommendation.) Worth noting: according to this, Subgenius ordination does not necessarily entitle you to officiate at weddings in some states.
posted by usonian at 11:03 AM on November 20, 2013

Best answer: You are already a pope according to these good people: http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Principia_Discordia
(if they have their own website, I've never seen it)
I've carried my card since 1999, but it hasn't got me any free stuff yet.
posted by LBJustice at 7:32 PM on November 20, 2013