Selection of Ordinands

GUIDE FOR PROSPECTIVE CLERGY

Men may become clergy of the Anglican Independent Communion by one of two routes. In either case the Communion will not incardinate nor ordain women as deacon or priest, but appropriately qualified women may become a member of the ancient historic order of Deaconess. Both men and women are warmly welcome to apply to become Lay Readers. The Communion greatly values the contribution of women to lay ministry. The Communion will not incardinate nor ordain any practising homosexual to Holy Orders. Any member of the Clergy or any Deaconess or Lay Reader found in any homosexual practice automatically forfeits his or her Licence and disqualifies him or herself from the Communion.

• Incardination

  Clergy of any other Episcopal church in the Apostolic Succession may apply for Incardination into the Communion. They will be required to complete the specified Application Form, provide copies of all their relevant academic and ordination credentials, and have CRB Child Protection clearance. They will be required to provide a statement of their current ministry and ministry history, and will be interviewed by the Director of Ordinands or by a bishop as may be decided.
  
  There are a substantial number of American based web-site 'churches' which offer ordination credentials upon payment of a fee. Whilst they may be legal in America, none of these certificates constitute ordination in the Apostolic succession, and will not be accepted by the Communion. The purported use of any such credentials by clergy of the Communion is expressly forbidden as being likely to bring the Communion into disrepute.

• Ordination

  Men seeking ordination to the diaconate will be required to complete the specified Application Form, provide copies of all their relevant academic and ordination credentials, and have CRB Child Protection clearance. They will be required to provide a statement of any current ministry or ministry history in the laity, and will be interviewed by the Director of Ordinands or by a bishop as may be decided.
  
  Age or disability is not a disqualifying factor in any case. There is no upper age limit for ordination. The call to Orders is the work of the Lord; the Communion will not interfere with that by applying any non-spiritual considerations. Some of our clergy have serious health issues and yet carry out active and fulfilling ministries. The Communion actively supports the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act.
  
  The Communion makes no specific demands upon potential ordinands in respect of their academic achievements, as we recognise the value of experience which, if substantial, may be a suitable alternative. Every application will be judged on its merits with the help of God. However, most applicants to the Communion have a history of academic and/or ministry achievements upon which to draw. Our clergy come from every conceivable background, Methodists, Baptists, Free Churches, the Church Army, and a number of former Church of England Readers.