Clergy Transfer from Historic Communions in Apostolic Succession

If you are currently ordained with a historical church body (Orthodox, Catholic or Anglican) and believe you are being called to serve as a chaplain, reception into the ACNA (directly or through an Affiliate member communion) may be completed through the Deanery for the Chaplaincy.

RECEPTION PROCESS

Clergy from historic church bodies seeking canonical residence or licensure* should complete an application for "Reception." This application will be accompanied by education records, prior ordination certificates, qualifications with training certificates, a spiritual biography, a professional resume' and clerical history. Additionally, letters (if appropriate) of ex-cardination or release in "Good Standing" from your current Ecclesiastical jurisdiction will be required. Once an applicant has submitted all required documents, a release to complete a Background Investigation (criminal and personal) will be completed in order for the application to be activated. A pre-application interview is required to obtain an application form. Use the "Contact" form to get in touch with the Deanery and the appropriate Deanery Chaplain Coordinator will contact you.

FOR MILITARY CHAPLAINS: If you are currently an Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard Chaplain (not IRR), your reception process is streamlined due to the immediate availability of documents. You may call or e-mail us with your questions.

*NOTE: As a minimum, a "License to Minister" granted by CANA or an ACNA jurisdiction is required in order to be considered for endorsement by the Bishop for the Deanery. An applicant Chaplain's current canonical jurisdiction may impose restrictions regarding licensure and endorsement with outside agencies to include CANA. It is assumed when an application for licensure is presented to CANA that such restrictions have been cleared by the applicant with their canonical ecclesiastical authority.

A Word About Apostolic Succession

There are many groups, independent and otherwise, that ordain and operate under the term "Apostolic Succession" and claim, primarily, Anglican and Catholic heritage. Broadly speaking, these groups fall into two categories - valid or invalid. The majority of Anglican type groups are referred to as "Continuing Anglican" and have no association whatsoever with the Historic Anglican Church and the world-wide Anglican Communion. Similar cases exist with groups claiming "Catholic," "Apostolic," and "Orthodox" in their names. If you are ordained within one of these groups, your Holy Orders, in most cases, will not be recognized for the purposes of "reception" through jurisdictional transfer; and re-ordination (and possibly a complete discernment process) may be required. Due difference to your ministry, however, will be afforded you in most cases. If you have a specific question about your status, please let us know and we will discuss your specific circumstances and Holy Orders with you.