Frequently Asked Questions about MPCA Recognition and Licensure

Q. Does MPCA have a legal right to license people as clergy?

A. Yes. According to Maine law, a legal marriage (the most common use of legal clergy status) can be performed by "A person licensed to preach by an association of ministers, religious seminary or ecclesiastical body." MPCA is incorporated as an association of ministers to allow this licensure to take place.

Q. Do I have to get MPCA licensure to be a member of this group?

A. Absolutely not! Recognition and licensure are completely voluntary, offered purely as a service to the Pagan community. We very much respect that each of us has a different path, and that some may choose not to obtain legal status or to obtain it through other venues.

Q. Do I have to be a certain kind of Pagan to apply for MPCA status?

A. No. MPCA status is open to all Pagan and Earth-centered paths.

Q. Who makes decisions about candidates for MPCA recognition and licensure?

A. The Licensure and Ordination Committee. Current members include: Cynthia J. Collins, chair; Harper Meader; vice chair; Arwen Evenstar, Cassius Julianus, and Jane Raeburn.

Q. What is Recognition status?

A. This status means that the candidate is recognized by MPCA as a legitimate Pagan performing clergy functions in Maine. It does not mean that the candidate is licensed as a legal minister.

Q. If I can't use Recognition status legally, why would I bother applying for it?

A. Recognition status is the first step toward Licensure, and must be obtained before seeking legal status. In addition, a Recognized clergy member may apply to the committee for a one-day licensure, usually to perform a marriage. Finally, because Recognition requires a criminal background check and a statement of activities and beliefs, some people may choose to seek it as a way of adding legitimacy to their existing initiatory and legal status.

Q. How do I apply for Recognition?

A. Follow the instructions on the Recognition page.

Q. Is the information I provide in my application kept private?

A. Aside from mundane names and personal contact information (which are always kept private), MPCA reserves the right to provide your information, at its discretion, to any legitimate and serious inquiry.This is to allow seekers to gain an understanding of a clergy member's background and qualifications before entering into contact or commitments.

Upon receipt of an inquiry, committee members will attempt to make e-mail contact with the clergy member before releasing information. If contact cannot be made within a reasonable time, the inquiry will be treated as legitimate and serious.

MPCA does not intend clergy status to entail exposing oneself to potential harm. If you have specific issues in the area of privacy, please let us know and we will make every effort to allow you to serve your community without jeopardizing your safety.

Q. What is Licensure status?

A. This status means that the candidate is licensed by MPCA to perform all legal clergy functions, including officiating at marriages, serving in chaplaincies and visiting Pagans in hospitals, nursing homes and prisons.

Q. Why are there so many criteria for MPCA licensure?

A. Because we want our licensure to stand up to that obtainable in other religions, we ask that candidates for MPCA licensure meet standards in the same general areas which seminaries apply to their candidates for ordination.

Q. How do I apply for Licensure?

A. First, if you haven't already done so, apply for Recognition. If you are a Recognized clergy member, follow the instructions on the Licensure page.

Q. Are there any outward signs to indicate one who has been granted Licensure?

A. We are still deciding on such things, but expect that we will issue an identification card or badge to Licensed MPCA clergy, and grant them the right to use the MPCA logo on a stole or piece of jewelry to be worn when acting as clergy.

Q. Why don't you offer ordination?

A. "Ordination" is a religious ceremony that in some traditions grants the individual a status equivalent to legal licensure. Normally we do not offer such religious services, in the belief that each Pagan's own path will provide the requisite initiations and ceremonies. If a candidate for Licensure strongly desires a religious ceremony marking that status, the committee will consider the request.

Q. If I am turned down in applying for Recognition or Licensure, what will happen?

A. You will be informed, privately, of the reasons and given alternatives for making up any deficiencies. Should you choose to appeal the committee's decision, you may do so to the full Board of the MPCA.

Q. Why must I renew my Recognition or Licensure every year?

A. The MPCA wishes to recognize and license those who are active in serving our communities. An annual renewal helps us be sure that those who carry our credentials are continuing to be active. In addition, because we are aware that other religions have had trouble with clergy members who perform criminal acts, we seek annual renewal as a way to be sure that any person who dishonors our community does not continue to serve as a legal clergy member within it. Renewals will be done at the MPCA Samhain quarterly meeting each year.

Q. Can my status as a Licensed or Recognized clergy member be revoked?

A. Yes, if the committee determines that a clergy member has failed to continue to meet the criteria for his or her status. This may be as simple as a failure to renew on time, or may occur if a clergy member is found to have committed a serious breach of the law, or for other reasons. This will not happen without an attempt to contact the person whose status is being revoked and determine the facts.

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