Office of Chaplain Endorsement
Standards of Ecclesiastical Endorsement
The Anglican Province of North America, through the Anglican Ordinariate of Saint George, serves as the ecclesiastical endorsing authority for clergy and qualified lay ministers engaged in professional chaplaincy.
1 · Ecclesiastical Authority
Under the Ordinary and the College of Bishops
The Office of Chaplain Endorsement operates under the authority of the Ordinary and the College of Bishops, providing ecclesiastical endorsement for chaplains serving across institutional and pluralistic environments.
Ecclesiastical endorsement affirms that a chaplain is in good standing, properly formed, and authorized for ministry.
2 · Guiding Professional Standards
Aligned with APC and ACPE — grounded in Anglican formation
Institutional chaplaincy is a regulated pastoral profession. Hospitals, prisons, public-safety agencies, and the military expect chaplains to meet the same professional benchmarks upheld by the two bodies that shape the field in North America: the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). Our endorsement standards are intentionally built to align with both.
Association of Professional Chaplains (APC)
APC defines the professional competencies and Common Code of Ethics that govern chaplaincy practice in North America. Our applicants are formed toward the same competencies APC requires for board certification — integration of theology and practice, ethical conduct, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural humility, and quality pastoral care within institutional settings.
Visit professionalchaplains.orgAssociation for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE)
ACPE sets the standards and Level I / Level II outcomes for Clinical Pastoral Education. We require at least one unit of ACPE-accredited CPE (or its recognized equivalent) so that every endorsed chaplain has been formed through supervised clinical practice, action-reflection learning, and peer accountability before serving in institutional ministry.
Visit acpe.eduShared Competencies
What our endorsement expects — and what APC and ACPE expect
These professional frameworks are integrated into Anglican ecclesial discernment — they inform, but do not replace, episcopal oversight, sacramental formation, and faithfulness to the doctrine and worship of the Church.
3 · Purpose of Endorsement
A formal ecclesial affirmation
Endorsement is the Church's formal affirmation that a chaplain is prepared, faithful, and accountable — sent with the confidence of the Ordinariate into the institutions they serve.
- Is ordained or duly authorized within the Anglican Province of North America
- Is in good standing with ecclesiastical authority
- Has demonstrated spiritual, pastoral, and professional readiness for chaplaincy
- Is accountable to ongoing episcopal oversight
- Is prepared to serve in multi-faith institutional environments
4 · Eligibility Requirements
Standing, formation, competence, character
A. Ecclesiastical Standing
- Ordained or commissioned within the Anglican Province of North America
- In good standing with their bishop or ecclesiastical authority
- Actively engaged in ministry or formation
B. Clinical Formation
- Complete at least one unit of ACPE-accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or equivalent formation
- Demonstrate readiness for institutional chaplaincy
C. Professional Competence
- Ability to function within interdisciplinary teams
- Understanding of ethical boundaries and confidentiality
- Competence in crisis pastoral care
- Ability to document and comply with institutional requirements
D. Personal Formation
- Mature Christian character
- Emotional and spiritual stability
- Commitment to prayer, sacramental life, and ongoing formation
- Cultural and pastoral sensitivity
5 · Endorsement Process
From application to annual renewal
Application Submission
Submit ministry history, CPE records, references, and ecclesiastical recommendation.
Ecclesiastical Review
Conducted by the Office of Chaplain Endorsement under the Ordinary.
Interview & Discernment
Assessment of vocational clarity, pastoral readiness, and ethical reasoning.
Decision
Endorsement granted, deferred, or declined by the endorsing authority.
Annual Renewal
Required to maintain active endorsement and continuing accountability.
6 · Continuing Accountability
Endorsed chaplains must
- Maintain active ministry engagement
- Participate in continuing education
- Uphold professional and ecclesiastical ethical standards
- Report changes in employment or status
- Remain under episcopal oversight
Grounds for Withdrawal
The Ordinariate may suspend or withdraw endorsement for
- Moral or ethical violations
- Loss of good standing
- Professional misconduct
- Cessation of chaplaincy ministry
7 · Ethical Standards
Expectations of every endorsed chaplain
9 · Ecclesiastical Governance
Oversight, formation, and pastoral support
Episcopal Oversight
The Office operates under the Ordinary, the College of Bishops, and the canons and policies governing chaplaincy ministry.
Continuing Formation
Annual retreats, continuing education, and brotherhood with chaplains across the Ordinariate's fields.
Pastoral Care
Every endorsed chaplain has direct access to the Ordinary for counsel, prayer, and pastoral support.
10 · Mission Statement
Faithful representatives of Christ in places of suffering, transition, and care
Endorsement ensures that Anglican chaplains are prepared to serve wherever the Church sends them.