Print | Close Window

Ordination

Visit the Downloads Page to download an application kit

It is a fact that todays society accept that religious leaders are generally “ordained”, or “endorsed”, by a central religious body, and while individual Pagan groups often appoint their own High Priest and/or Priestess, people outside of the Pagan world, or even that group, may question the validity of that appointment. This could also prove problematic when it comes to providing services that many other religions have enjoyed for years, such as hospital or prison visits, funerals, etc.

Benefits of ordination

Often the world looks for some kind of endorsement or official ordination from a larger body to prove that the person is indeed recognised as a religious leader in the community. The ATO for example hold that an ordained “Minister of Religion” is accountable to the community and as such they may have rights that a non-ordained person would have difficulty obtaining. There is also the matter of child safety and the background of those representing themselves as Clergy or religious leader.

The right to refuse to disclose information obtained in confidence is also extended to clergy in many states. For example, in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory, legislation exists that allows the clergy of any church to refuse to divulge any information that has been received during a “religious confession”. Whilst Pagans do not usually have a concept of ‘sin’ that requires penance and forgiveness, it is conceivable that a Pagan could desire contact with a religious leader to seek spiritual guidance following a misdeed, even if accidental. This could easily fall under the heading of “confession” especially if the person is guilty of some illegal or immoral act that they wish to disclose in order to ask for divine guidance.

“Ordained Clergy” are often better accepted by agencies such as hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, Police, etc. This is especially so when these agencies are made aware that all ordained clergy undergo Working With Children background checks and sign a Code of Conduct prior to ordination. Due to these checks, and a known minimum level of experience, the UPCoA can and does openly promote its clergy in the wider community.

The subject of “ordination” for Pagan religious leaders is a very emotional subject for many people. On one hand there are those that oppose the entire concept because of the ties to Christianity for terms such as Minister, ordained, Clergy, etc. Whilst these views have some validity, they fail to take into account the “bigger picture” facing Pagan religions and therefore Pagan religious leaders today.

For those interested in research, there is a wealth of information on the internet discussing both sides of the argument regarding Pagans and ordination. Three to get you started are:

In the second article, “Ordination and Ministerial Credentials”, the author starts off like many fellow Pagans believing they have no need for ordination, only to end up seeking ordination through the ULC and discovering that this actually helps them to provide services for the wider Pagan community. This is precisely what many Pagans in the USA have already discovered - ordination by a central body allows them to gain recognition from more than just their own Group, and gains respect from the wider community.

Anyone can gain ordination for free from the Universal Life Church (ULC) in the USA, and many people holding ULC ordination have gone on to start and run respected religious groups using this ordination. In fact there is at least one ULC Minister operating their own church in NSW, known and accepted as an ordained Minister of Religion, and endorsed as a religious marriage celebrant.

What the UPCoA aims to do is to provide a method for Pagan religious leaders to obtain ordination, whilst at the same time ensuring that these people have some minimum level of experience and have also undergone relevant background checks. These are the basic requirements for all major religions, and usually prevents those just seeking ordination for the sake of the title from continuing.

Definitions of Terms

Despite common views by many Pagans, the terms “ordain”, and “Minister” aren’t purely Christian terms. As most Pagans will already know, the term “Priest” has been used in Pagan religions for many centuries, and continues to be used in Pagan religions to this day. So, Pagans are perfectly happy to use Priest and Priestess. So, what about the other terms that shy many away?

or·dain

  1.  
    1. To invest with ministerial or priestly authority; confer holy orders on.
    2. To authorize as a rabbi.
  2. To order by virtue of superior authority; decree or enact.
  3. To prearrange unalterably; predestine: by fate ordained.

So we can see that “ordain” is not a purely Christian term, and in fact if we consider the acceptance and use of the word “Priest” by Pagan religions, then surely it would be appropriate for a Pagan group to “ordain” or “invest with priestly authority” someone they class as a Priest/Priestess!

min·is·ter (noun)

  • a person authorized to conduct religious worship; "clergymen are usually called ministers in Protestant churches"

So here again, although society does usually equate Minister with Christian churches, the term could just as easily apply to ANY religious leader; do Pagan Priests/Priestesses not “conduct religious worship” within their group??

cler·gy

  • The body of people ordained for religious service.

Here again we find a term that many Pagans shy away from because it is “Christian”, and yet the definition makes no mention of any particular religion. Is it not conceivable that the Pagan Priest/Priestess would be part of a “body of people ordained for religious service”?

If it is the term Reverend that you find offensive, skip down to the section on Religious Titles

Ordination Process and Qualifications

Pagan religious leaders may be considered for ordination by the UPCoA by fulfillment of the following criteria:

  1. Personally follow and promote a Pagan religion or belief. There is no restriction on what path or belief must be followed, as long as it is considered to be a valid Pagan path.
  2. A written statement that must include:
    1. Full legal name, address, date of birth, telephone contact details, any and all previous names used;
    2. Any criminal convictions within the past 10 years (other than minor traffic or parking infringements);
    3. Personal beliefs or path followed;
    4. Qualifications or experience as a leader;
    5. A BRIEF statement outlining why you wish to become a Pagan ordained Minister, and what you hope to achieve following ordination (e.g. hospital visits, etc).
  3. Provide 100 points of identification.
  4. Provide a current colour passport size photograph (actual passport photo, scanned photo or digital photo)
  5. A current Working With Children (WWC) criminal history clearance from the relevant state authority. In some cases this will have to be done by us (e.g. NSW, Tasmania), whilst in other states you need to undertake this check (e.g. Queensland, Victoria, WA). Any fees or charges relating to these checks must be paid by you (in most cases checks are free or at least discounted for non-profit volunteer positions, which this is classified as.)
  6. Accept the UPCoA Code of Conduct and agree to abide by that Code.
  7. Accept the UPCoA “Confessions Policy” and agree to maintain the confidentiality of information received during a ‘confession ritual’.
  8. Payment of a AU$5.00 processing fee to cover the issue of the Certificate of Ordination and ID (a reduction or exemption may be granted for those suffering financial difficulties upon application)

The majority of the above information can be supplied using the Application for Ordination package which includes the application form, the Code of Conduct and the Confessions Policy, along with additional information regarding the ordination process. This package can be downloaded from the Downloads Page.

Following receipt of the above the College of Elders will evaluate the material and make a decision regarding ordination. In deciding this question the Elders will seek to answer the following questions:

  1. Is this person a Pagan? Are they serious about being a Pagan?
  2. Do they have a suitable level of experience or qualifications? (see below)
  3. Are they continuing their education, where appropriate?
  4. Are they willing to provide services as a Minister? Do they accept other Pagan beliefs as being valid?
  5. Is there any reason not to accept this person?

Oath of Office

Once the application is processed and accepted, and the relevant WWC clearances have been received, you will need to pledge the “Oath of Office” before your ordination becomes effective. This oath must be pledged in front of two witnesses who will confirm that the oath was read aloud. If you wish you can take the oath in front of your own group, or in private with only the witnesses, the choice is yours. The complete oath and the form that you will need to have completed by the witnesses and return will be sent to you once your application has been approved. The oath is simply your pledge to your own chosen deity/deities that you will act with honesty and without malice, will follow and serve your personal faith, and uphold to the best of your ability the Code of Conduct. Click here if you would like to view the Oath of Office.

Qualifications/Experience

Generally a leader should have the following minimum experience to be ordained:

  1. A minimum of 2 years of regular (weekly) service as a religious leader, or
  2. A minimum of 3 years of non-regular (monthly) service as a religious leader; or
  3. Completion of a suitable training course with a Pagan religious training organisation PLUS at least 18 months of service as a religious leader.

In some cases the UPCoA may require that you undertake and complete ongoing training to help you better serve the Pagan community.

UPCoA is currently holding discussions with a US based Pagan Clergy training organisation with the aim of providing a basic training package for anyone seeking ordination. If introduced this may allow us to ordain those with less experience after the successful completion of this training.

IF YOU FEEL YOU DO NOT MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS, you can still apply for ordination. In this case you should include a written statement that outlines the experience you do have, your plans for gaining further experience or qualifications, and the reason you feel that UPCoA should accept your application despite your lack of the required experience or training. Each application will be assessed on its merits and possible options will be discussed with you prior to any decision. Our aim is to ensure that those identifying themselves as Pagan Clergy through UPCoA have some level of experience and dedication, and are not simply seeking the title for some other reason.

Ordination into the Church of Seven Planes

Just because we hold a CSP Charter does not mean that all of our ministers are automatically ordained into the CSP! Ordination into the CSP is entirely OPTIONAL. As the holder of a CSP Charter, the UPCoA can ordain persons into the CSP, however this is something that each new minister will need to decide for themselves. There is no requirement for UPCoA ministers to hold CSP ordination as well, so it becomes a matter of choice for the individual and nobody else.

Renewal of Ordination

To help ensure that our ordained leaders maintain a minimum level of experience and continue to actively promote the Pagan religion(s), ordinations are reviewed anually every August, and must be renewed every 2 years, again in August. This is a very simple process that takes only a few minutes in most cases.

The annual review is a purely internal process that, in most cases, requires no action by the Minister. It is our way of ensuring that all ordinations have been completed fully and that any probationary Ministers have completed any requirements. In some cases it may be necessary to seek further information from the Minister, in which case a letter detailing the required information will be sent to the Minister concerned.

As the renewal date approaches each ordained leader will receive a letter detailing the renewal process. To maintain their ordination these leaders will need to provide:

  1. A statement from the ordained leader attesting that they:
    1. continue to meet all relevant requirements for ordination (i.e. follow and promote a Pagan religion, not prohibited from working with children, etc.)
    2. over the past 2 years, have undertaken at least 100 hours of active service (e.g. open rituals, teaching, hospital/prison visits, serving on a Pagan group committee, working with other Pagan groups, etc)
    3. over the past 2 years, have undertaken at least 50 hours of continuing education (e.g. classes, research, reading, supervision, teaching)
  2. A current colour passport size photograph (actual passport photo, scanned photo or digital photo)
  3. Payment of a AU$5.00 processing fee to cover the issue of the new ID (a reduction or exemption may be granted for those suffering financial difficulties upon application)

Where an ordained leader wishes to maintain their ordination, but feels they may not fully meet the requirements of 1(b) or 1(c) above due to circumstances beyond their control, they may apply for a temporary exemption based on those circumstances. In such a case a period may be set within which a set number of hours of education, or a written paper on a specified subject, must be completed in leiu of the requirements specified.

The purpose of the renewal is not to make life difficult for genuine leaders, but to ensure that only those leaders that are genuine and active in their roles maintain ordination. This is important because UPCoA promotes ordained leaders as being equal in standing to the Clergy of other religions, and to maintain this standard all ordained leaders need to maintain a minimum level of activity and knowledge.

Visit the Downloads Page to download an application kit

BackBack | Return to TopTop

Cancellation of Ordination

The UPCoA may choose to revoke a Ministers credentials and cancel their ordination if:

  • the Minister has willfully and/or persistently acted in a manner that has, or that has the potential to, bring the UPCoA and/or member congregations into disrepute; or
  • the Minister is found guilty of an offence that would cause that person to fail any Working With Children background check; or
  • the Minister is subject to an Apprehended Violence Order (or similar) following an offence of violence or assault; or
  • the Minister persistently breaches the UPCoA Code of Conduct; or
  • the UPCoA believes that such action is necessary and desirable in the best interests of the UPCoA and its member congregations; or
  • the Minister persistently fails to meet any qualification or other standard set by the UPCoA.

Clergy Titles

As discussed above, the UPCoA uses some religious titles such as Archbishop, Bishop, Minister, Reverend, Chaplain, etc. These titles are used primarily because they are widely known and accepted within the general community, and so it makes it far easier for the non-Pagan community to understand what role these people play within the organisation. To tell a non-Pagan that you are a "High Priest of the UPCoA for Northern NSW" will generally result in the question "what does that mean?", but if you say you are the "Bishop of Northern NSW of the UPCoA" then almost everyone will instantly have at the very least a basic comprehension of where in the ‘chain of command’ you fit.

However, what should be realised is that “Reverend” is not actually a title that appears in any Christian scripture as terms relating to religious leaders! The word ‘reverend’ does not appear in any Judeo-Christian scripture, EXCEPT once, in Psalm 111:9, where it is used to describe a quality of the Judeo-Christian God. It was not until the 15th century that the term becomes widely used as a mark of respect for “clergymen”. There are a significant number of Christian groups that actually protest at the use of the word reverend for any Christian religious leader. Wikipedia, although recognising that it is widely used for Christian clergy, also state:

...It is sometimes also used by leaders in non-Christian religions such as Buddhism.

Individual member organisations and ordained Ministers are free to utilise the more traditional Pagan titles such as Priest and Priestess or High Priest or High Priestess, to identify the leaders of that organisation, but these titles will be applicable to that particular organisation only. A group leader could be, for example, "Rev'd John Citizen, High Priest of Citizensville Circle, Minister of the UPCoA". In any case, there is no mandatory requirement for those ordained by UPCoA to use the title Reverend or Chaplain, it is a purely personal choice that many in the USA have adopted due to the greater acceptance gained by their use. So, if you are ordained and do not like using these titles, then by all means don’t use them!

Visit the Downloads Page to download an application kit

BackBack | Return to TopTop