Ordination Requirements

 

Receiving Clergy From Other Christian Bodies in Apostolic Succession

  1. A person ordained in the apostolic succession should apply to the office of one of the Diocesan Bishops of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches.
  2. The person applying must meet in person with the Bishop, at which time (if not previously done) the following should be provided:
    1. A written letter of request for reception.
    2. The said person must sign the Doctrinal Essentials.
    3. A Letter of Affirmation from the petitioner's spouse (if married).
    4. Copies of the petitioner's ordination certificates in the Apostolic Succession.
    5. Copies of the petitioner's educational certificates - diplomas, transcripts, or related life experiences.
    6. An overview of the petitioner's ministerial experience, and a list of places they have served at.
    7. The petitioner must provide a minimum of two references from past ministerial experience - one from clergy, one from laity.
    8. The petitioner must have a current ministry at this time, or submit a suggested plan for future ministry. Exception to this requirement would be for retired clergy who are seeking to stay in communion with a bishop so that their orders will remain active.
    9. A written affirmation from a businessperson in the petitioner's community.
  3. Two clergy and two laypersons from the Diocese will interview he clergy candidate (petitioner). Their recommendations must be submitted in writing.
  4. Petitioners must affirm, in writing, their belief and commitment to a historical, traditional view of purity. Whether single or married, each clergy person must express his or her commitment to a life of purity. Those who are single must remain chaste throughout their lives, until such a time as they are joined in Holy Matrimony. Those who are married are to practice faithfulness and fidelity in their marriage.
  5. The clergy person should be received in a setting of public worship as a matter of public record. This service would include the affirmation of the clergy and laity in the service, the blessing of the clergy received, and the right hand of fellowship extended. Official documents (Certificate of Reception, License to Preach, etc.) should be presented at this time.
  6. The Diocesan Bishop will submit a quarterly written report to each member of the Council of Bishops and the Board of Directors as the clergy received in their diocese, with the understanding that the above process has been followed.
  7. The above said documents will be kept in the Diocesan Office with the understanding that the Council of Bishops and the Board of Directors have free access to said files upon request.
  8. Each clergy person received into the diocese will submit an update of their ministry each Ember Day throughout the Church year. These letters will be a part of the ongoing file of the clergy person.

Receiving Clergy From Other Christian Bodies in Apostolic Succession

  1. A person ordained in the apostolic succession should apply to the office of one of the Diocesan Bishops of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches.
  2. The person applying must meet in person with the Bishop, at which time (if not previously done) the following should be provided:
    1. A written letter of request for reception.
    2. The said person must sign the Doctrinal Essentials.
    3. A Letter of Affirmation from the petitioner's spouse (if married).
    4. Copies of the petitioner's ordination certificates in the Apostolic Succession.
    5. Copies of the petitioner's educational certificates - diplomas, transcripts, or related life experiences.
    6. An overview of the petitioner's ministerial experience, and a list of places they have served at.
    7. The petitioner must provide a minimum of two references from past ministerial experience - one from clergy, one from laity.
    8. The petitioner must have a current ministry at this time, or submit a suggested plan for future ministry. Exception to this requirement would be for retired clergy who are seeking to stay in communion with a bishop so that their orders will remain active.
    9. A written affirmation from a businessperson in the petitioner's community.
  3. Two clergy and two laypersons from the Diocese will interview the clergy candidate (petitioner). Their recommendations must be submitted in writing.
  4. Petitioners must affirm, in writing, their belief and commitment to a historical, traditional view of purity. Whether single or married, each clergy person must express his or her commitment to a life of purity. Those who are single must remain chaste throughout their lives, until such a time as they are joined in Holy Matrimony. Those who are married are to practice faithfulness and fidelity in their marriage.
  5. The clergy person should be received in a setting of public worship as a matter of public record. This service would include the affirmation of the clergy and laity in the service, the blessing of the clergy received, and the right hand of fellowship extended. Official documents (Certificate of Reception, License to Preach, etc.) should be presented at this time.
  6. The Diocesan Bishop will submit a quarterly written report to each member of the Council of Bishops and the Board of Directors as the clergy received in their diocese, with the understanding that the above process has been followed.
  7. The above said documents will be kept in the Diocesan Office with the understanding that the Council of Bishops and the Board of Directors have free access to said files upon request.
  8. Each clergy person received into the diocese will submit an update of their ministry each Ember Day throughout the Church year. These letters will be a part of the ongoing file of the clergy person.