Ordination

Please be sure to read the Licensuring, Ordination, and Recognition Committee (LORC) By-Laws and the FAQ About MPCA Recognition and Licensure pages before proceeding.

• Requirements and Procedures to Request Ordination
• Renewing Ordination Status

Requirements and Procedures to Request Ordination
Requests for ordination as clergy by MPCA require the fulfillment of all Full Licensure requirements and observation of practices by at least 2 LORC members and/or their designates. There is NO FEE for ordination, though the applicant may be asked to help defray any actual costs. Applicant is required to prepare an acceptable, personally meaningful ordination service to be performed in conjunction with one or more representatives of LORC.

Any status can be revoked when the individual fails to meet the requirements. All categories require, available to the public on legitimate request:

1. The result of a criminal background check, within the past year prior to application, in the State of Maine provided by the Applicant (fee to applicant at cost about $25.00).
2. A notarized statement affirming that the information is true and that it was offered voluntarily to MPCA.
3. A statement, which covers at least the following categories:
   • Mundane name, address and telephone for internal use only by LORC, which will not be released.
   • Contact information (may be religious name) and statements which may be released in response to serious inquiry. We ask that each applicant to indicate any specifics that may help MPCA evaluate inquiries. LORC will make an attempt by email to reach recognized clergy at the last known email address. If a response is not received within 72 hours, the inquiry will be treated as appropriate and legitimate.
   • Qualifications
   • Beliefs
   • Ethics
   • Current public services and activity, including information on the following if applicable: ritual space accessibility (steps, indoor/outdoor, temperature, etc.); pets or animals (what you have and what is or is not welcome); policy on persons under 18; policy on alcohol/tobacco/drug use; ritual dress/cost/supplies; hospitality provided (bathroom, shelter, food or drink, etc.); policy on meeting and starting times, participation, etc.; governance of group (if applicable)

4. Payment of a $5.00 fee to the Maine Pagan Clergy Association for processing.

Upon completion of 1, 2, 3, and 4 Recognition of Status may be affirmed by the LORC. Affirmation is based on answers provided to the following questions:

1. Is the packet complete?
2. Is this person a Pagan? Are they serious about being a Pagan?
3. Are they continuing their education?
4. Are they doing community service and have community recognition?
5. Is there any reason to not approve this application?

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Renewing Ordination Status
This status is renewable yearly at Samhain MPCA Quarterly Meeting with request that includes:

1. A notarized statement attested by the applicant that affirms they continue to meet all requirements set by the Board of the MPCA for maintaining their current status.
2. At least 6 clock hours community service, including, but not limited to, open ritual, teaching, writing, involvement with other Pagan groups, or serving on committees or boards for Pagan groups.
3. At least 12 clock hours of continuing education, including, but not limited to, classes, reading, research or supervision.
4. Payment of a $5.00 fee to the Maine Pagan Clergy Association for processing.
   

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