Saucer Smear - Vol 23 No 29 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER PEWS
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 29
Date: November 20th, 1976
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Pews is dedicated to George Earley and features a semi-serious editorial by Editor James W. Moseley titled "YES, VIRGINIA, EVERY MAN (*) IS A MINISTER!". The newsletter also includes reader contributions and news related to ufology.

Editorial: Every Man is a Minister!

The editorial focuses on Kirby J. Hensley, head of the Universal Life Church. Hensley's church has gained attention for allowing ministers to declare their homes as churches, thereby avoiding property taxes, which has caused issues with New York State. The Universal Life Church is described as having no creed, and anyone can become a minister for a one-dollar donation. Despite Hensley's alleged illiteracy, he has published magazines, written books, and even run for President. He claims to have between 5 and 6 million ministers nationwide and states his church is "in the black."

Moseley connects this to UFOs only by mentioning that he once met Reverend Hensley at a Giant Rock UFO convention in California. As a member of the press, Moseley was made a minister without a donation and still carries the card, understanding it allows him to perform legally-binding marriages in California.

Rather than an expose, Moseley argues that Hensley has discovered the "ultimate freedom" of religion by stating "Every man (*) is a minister." He believes that other sects are phony and that creeds make a mockery of true religion. Moseley concludes by proudly declaring himself a minister of the Universal Life Church.

News and Reader Contributions

California Addresses and Contact with Hensley:
Several California addresses are listed for the Universal Life Church's activities. The newsletter is attempting to re-establish contact with Hensley and plans to print his current address if successful, for non-subscribers who wish to join.

Becoming a Member of the Press:
A forthcoming issue will detail how to become a legitimate member of the working press for under $10.00.

Anti-Greenfield Note:
Rick Hilberg, writing in "UFO Magazine News Bulletin," is quoted regarding the thirteenth annual National UFO Conference. Hilberg disagrees with Allen Greenfield's characterization of convention supporters as being "apart from the 'reality of the present.'" Hilberg emphasizes the subjective and wide-open nature of ufology, stating that attendees saw the "ultimate nexus of all that is Ufology" in an introspective way. The next conference is planned for San Francisco, hosted by Dale Rettig.

Ye Olde Mail Baq (Reader Mail):

• Bill Lutters praises the newsletter's humor and Jim Moseley's return, expressing a desire to meet for lunch. He also makes a dismissive comment about Keel.
• Orestes Wilson calls the newsletter the "worst UFO bulletin currently available" but enjoys it, especially news from Gray Barker. He mentions deciphering a letter from J. Oberg and compliments Betty Moseley's drawing. Wilson also recalls a discussion about the "sex life of Venusians and Martians" in an Oregon newspaper.
• Steven Elliott, UFO editor, acknowledges Burt/Curt Sutherly's conclusion about his popularity in UFOdom and expresses that he doesn't mind aspiring ufologists comparing themselves to him. He anticipates the next issue for its "outrageous title."
• Curt Sutherly (alias Xerox) found J. Oberg's letter "terrible." He recounts meeting Oberg at the '75 Fort Smith fiasco and believes Oberg, who discusses "ultraterrestrials," is actually a MIB or CIA spy. Sutherly notes that he encountered Oberg at breakfast with Phil Klass.

Jennings H. Frederick writes about giving the location of "Zarcon's organization in Space" and asks for assistance in locating "this Being." Frederick details his fifteen years of experience with NASA, constructing rockets, and developing liquid rocket propellant, to establish his credibility. He appreciates the newsletter despite sometimes doubting its content.

Laura Mundo, a UFO personality, discusses a feud with former co-worker Connie Grzych. Mundo recounts an incident where Grzych allegedly overdosed on tranquilizers and wine, nearly having a stroke, while Mundo tried to keep her conscious until help arrived. Grzych's husband reportedly showed indifference to her condition.

Melvin C. Fart (alias Ted Zilch) writes about investigating "Fartean Phenomena." He describes sounds accompanying these phenomena, from squeaks to roars, and notes that silent phenomena are harder to trace. He mentions civilian groups like the Tucson-based Aerial Fartean Research Organization (AFRO) and the more scientific Ground Fartean Watch (GFW) in Phoenix. GFW, under William Spalding, uses a computer odor analysis program to analyze "Fartean Phenomena." Out of 500 analyzed odors, 20 were classified as "bona fide" (meaning probably extraterrestrial), while the remaining 480 were blamed on Stanton Friedman.

Picture Question:
A question is posed: "What is the caption of this picture?" The picture shows three cartoon faces with different expressions. The answer is stated to appear inverted below the image, and the inverted text reads "The answer appears inverted, below."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature of religion, freedom of belief, and the satirical examination of organizations and individuals within the UFO community. The editorial stance, particularly from James W. Moseley, is one of irreverent humor, skepticism towards established religious and ufological dogma, and a celebration of individual freedom, even if expressed through unconventional means like the Universal Life Church. There is a clear enjoyment of wordplay and a willingness to engage in parody, as seen with the "Fartean Phenomena" section. The publication positions itself as a platform for diverse, often critical, viewpoints within the UFO research field, while maintaining a distinct editorial voice that values wit and unconventional thinking.