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The process to apply as a nominee for ordination as a priest

Discernment begins at the local level under the supervision of a parish priest. A list of books is provided to help you in the discernment process.

The clergy decides whether the person may make an application for nomination. The parishioner must have the rector’s recommendation to meet with the Bishop and then the parish vestry as described in the application process that follows.

After the parishioner and the rector have met together over a period of time, then the parishioner may complete the application process for nominee. Note that references are to the Constitution and Canons 2006 of The Episcopal Church.

1. Complete the Application for Nominee form. (Title III.8.2.b)

2. Submit copies of baptismal and confirmation certificates.

3. The rector submits a letter of recommendation to the Canon to the Ordinary. In the letter the rector will include evidence that the applicant is a confirmed adult in good standing as a communicant in a local congregation for a minimum of one year.

4. Send official transcripts from colleges and universities to the Canon to the Ordinary. (Title III.6.2.b)

5. Submit a statement of call and a spiritual autobiography, no more than 10 typed pages. Answer the questions on the Spiritual Autobiography addendum page. Complete the financial statement form as part of the application process.

6. Submit a letter of support from a family member, such as a spouse, partner or parent.

When all this is received by the Administrator of the Commission on Ministry, the diocese will initiate an Oxford background check. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the applicant. The check takes approximately eight weeks for the report to be sent to the diocese.

When the steps above have been completed, the Bishop will review the material and schedule a meeting with the applicant. (Title III.8.3.a.2) If the Bishop consents to further exploration of the call, then the applicant will meet with the vestry for approval.

Acceptance of the nomination
The Bishop will review the application, transcripts, background check and clergy recommendations before an interview is scheduled with the applicant.

Within 45 days, the Bishop will write a letter of response to the applicant’s request to be named a Nominee. The Bishop may invite the applicant to become a nominee at this time. The nominee accepts the nomination in writing within 30 days of receipt of the letter of invitation. (Title III. 8.2.b)