Deanery for the Chaplaincy for the
Convocation of Anglicans in North America

For military and VA Chaplains Only , there are essentially four basic categories under which to apply. Specific requirements may vary based upon the applicants credentials at the time of application. All documents should be sent at one time to the Deanery. The perferred method of deliver is to scan the documents and e-mail them to...
Chaplain Mike Williams, Government Chaplain Coordinator

**Reception of Experienced Chaplains already ordained under Apostolic Succession...

1. Complete an initial interview with the Government Chaplains Coordinator.
2. Obtain approval to apply from the Bishop for the Chaplaincy (application will be sent).
3. Applicants with current Defense Investigative Service BI's are NOT required to send in the $150 Oxford Doc Fee. Applicants without a current BI will be subject to the fee.
4. Provide Duty Reports (OPRs, FIT Report, etc.) covering the last 5 years, or all reports available if term as a Chaplain has been less than 5 years.
5. Submit a 1-3 page "Spiritual Biography" that includes information on why you are wishing to leave your current endorsing agency, and why CANA is where you wish to reside. (Clergy under administrative action from either their employer or endorsing body will not be considered for reception until such action has been completed/adjudicated.)
6. Provide copies of all ordination certificates. Apostolic lines will be validated.
7. Upon receipt of a complete application package, an interview with the Bishop for the Chaplaincy will be scheduled.
8. If reception is approved, begin action to coordinate transfer of endorsement under guidelines established by NCMAF/ECVAC.
9. Submit for formal reception with CANA/ACNA.
10. Upon receipt of the dismissal letter, "Change of Endorser" documents will be forwarded to the appropriate agencies.

**Reception of Experienced Chaplains NOT ordained under Apostolic Succession...

1. Complete an initial interview with the Government Chaplains Coordinator.
2. Obtain approval to apply from the Bishop for the Chaplaincy (application will be sent).
3. Applicants with current Defense Investigative Service BI's are NOT required to send in the $150 Oxford Doc Fee. Applicants without a current BI will be subject to the fee.
4. Provide Duty Reports (OPRs, FIT Report, etc.) covering the last 5 years, or all reports available if term as a Chaplain has been less than 5 years.
5. Submit a 1-3 page "Spiritual Biography" that includes information on why you are wishing to leave your current endorsing agency, and why CANA is where you wish to reside. (Clergy under administrative action from either their employer or endorsing body will not be considered for reception until such action has been completed/adjudicated.)
6. Provide copies of all ordination certificates. Apostolic lines will be validated.
7. Upon receipt of a complete application package, an interview with the Bishop for the Chaplaincy will be scheduled.
8. If reception is approved, begin action to coordinate transfer of endorsement under guidelines established by NCMAF/ECVAC.
9. The applicant will sign a Letter of Understanding regarding any training and education that will be required and restrictions on postulancy.
10. Upon receipt of the dismissal letter, "Change of Endorser" documents will be forwarded to the appropriate agencies.
11. The applicant will be scheduled for an ordination to the "transitional diaconate" dependent upon the education and training schedule.
12. Upon successful completion of all training and education requirements, an ordination to the priesthood will be scheduled.

**Reception of CANA Clergy wishing to become Chaplains...

1. Verification of approval to move to the Chaplaincy from Bp Bena (coordinated through your administrative bishop)
2. Completion of all required documentation for the agency to which you are applying.
3. Signed authorization to transfer your records from the CANA Home Office to the Deanery for the Chaplaincy.
4. Interview with a representative from the Deanery.
5. Verify a minimum of two years pastoral experience.
6. United States citizenship or one who has lawfully entered the U.S. for permanent residence.
7. Bachelor's degree (120 semester hours) and a Master of Divinity or equivalent graduate degree from an in-residence program (90 semester hours) that is identified as an accredited institution as listed in the Education Directory-Colleges and Universities or an accredited school listed in the Directory, ATS Bulletin, Part 4.
8. Commissioned prior to 40 years of age and before 42 with sufficient prior military service.
9. Pass a military commissioning physical.
10. Pass a security background investigation.
11. Validate with Bp Jones you possess the ability and willingness to work in the DoD directed religious accommodation environment.
12. Make application to the selected branch of the Armed Forces and receive a commission - OR - complete CPE requirements necessary to be a VA Chaplain.

**Reception of Seminary Students wishing to enter the Chaplain Candidacy Program...

1. Applicants must already be CANA/ACNA postulants for ministry and enrolled in an accredited seminary.
2. Interview with the Bishop for the Chaplaincy for approval to become a military or VA chaplain candidate. (NOTE: It is the postulant's responsibility to complete all requirements necessary to be accepted into a Chaplain Candidacy program.)
3. Enter the mentorship program under the direction of the Government Chaplains Coordinator and follow appropriate "Track" program (contact the coordinator for more information).
4. Complete a minimum of two years pastoral experience. (CANA will not waive the "experience" requirement. Those completing post-seminary experience requirements can remain "candidates" only if vocationally employed.)
5. While there are some slight variations between branches of service, the follow is the basic requirements:
   • United States citizenship or one who has lawfully entered the U.S. for permanent residence.
   • Bachelor's degree (120 semester hours) and a Master of Divinity or equivalent graduate degree from an in-residence program (90 semester hours) that is identified as an accredited institution as listed in the Education Directory-Colleges and Universities or an accredited school listed in the Directory, ATS Bulletin, Part 4.
   • Commissioned prior to 40 years of age and before 42 with sufficient prior military service.
   • Pass a military commissioning physical.
   • Pass a security background investigation.
   • Ability and willingness to work in the DoD directed religious accommodation environment.
   • Make application to the selected branch of the Armed Forces and receive a commission -OR- complete CPE required for VA application.