Q&A for How to Become an Episcopal Priest

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Do you think the Holy Spirit is present in the church today?

Community Answer

The Holy Spirit dwells in the hearts of every believer. Wherever two or more are gathered in Christ, it is with them.

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Can those who commit a felony become an Episcopal priest?

Community Answer

All those who have been called to the vocation of the priesthood by Christ are eligible for ordination. While a felony may draw scrutiny, it is important to remember that all men have committed sin, but the sacrifice on the cross of Jesus, the New Covenant, offers redemption for all, regardless of the severity of sin.

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Can a woman become a priest in the Episcopalian religion?

Community Answer

Yes. The church ratified this in the 70s.

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Question

If a postulant already has an MA in theology, is the ordination process shorter?

Community Answer

The bishop could consider the MA sufficient as far as theological education goes. That would remove the 3-year M.Div. requirement.

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How does someone who has met the ordination requirements for another Christian denomination become ordained in the Episcopal church?

Community Answer

Request to meet with the bishop of the Episcopal diocese of the area where you legally reside. Every area in the United States has an Episcopal Bishop assigned.

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Question

If I'm a single father, how do I become a priest?

Community Answer

Follow the steps outlined above. The process is identical for all persons called to ordination, regardless of gender or marital status.

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Can LGBTQ+ identified people become priests in the Episcopal church?

Community Answer

Yes. It is the most welcoming denomination to all people. You don’t even have to believe to be welcomed as a member!

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Question

I do not have a bachelor's degree. What are the steps I need to take to be accepted into seminary?

Melody Taylor Suttles

Community Answer

Seminary is like other colleges. All you need is a high school diploma or GED.

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Question

Do Episcopal priests engage in classes that prepare them for helping individuals with mental, family, and marital issues?

Community Answer

Yes, they can and often do since most everyone deals with these issues at one time or another. A priest has to be prepared to support someone as they deal with them.

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Question

Are there age requirements?

Mary Beth Toca

Community Answer

Yes, it's usually recommended to have graduated high school. However, you may receive exceptions for unusual circumstances.

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Question

Can you have been married more than once to be an episcopal priest?

Ray

Community Answer

Under the pastoral provision, Father Paul Sullins, a former Episcopal priest, was ordained in the Catholic Church in 2002 after converting four years earlier. Each diocese is allowed up to two active married priests, according to the Pastoral Provision Office, which facilitates the Vatican's policy.

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Question

Do you have to pay for the college?

Community Answer

Yes and no, When you attend school to become a priest, you pay for the schooling. When you become a priest, your loans will be forgiven.

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Question

If I believe that gays and others that lead an amoral lifestyle do not please God, may I still be an Episcopalian? And if I believe clergy should not meddle in politics, am I excluded from the church?

Community Answer

Didn't Jesus ask the crowd to throw a stone at Mary Magdalene for adultery when they are sinless? Then Jesus forgave her. That means He didn't teach calling someone immoral. He taught forgiveness. Do that. Knowledge of politics can help everyone to know the society and country. Don't boast or divert your topics to politics always.

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Question

I also practice witchcraft (for cultural) reasons, like asking God to bless items and making spell jars setting up altars for God ,etc. Can I still be a pastor without losing my culture?

Community Answer

No, because the work of God is clear. God does not need witchcraft nor should you. If that is your culture, it is something you must give up to be in full spirit as a pastor. Faith and love blesses everything by the grace of God. God never encouraged other craft.

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Are separated, divorced men able to become ordained priests in the Episcopal church?

Community Answer

If you are separated, read the Bible's answers to separation, with regards to trying diligently to maintain and keeping to the marriage vows. The information also includes procedures regarding divorce. God leaves a message in the Bible that shows why He unites two people in becoming One.

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Question

Can a parish other than my local parish sponsor me as an Episcopal priest?

Community Answer

Yes, consult with your commission on ministry and your sending bishop. It should be possible.

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Question

How many years do I need to study theology to become an episcopal priest?

Community Answer

Three years at an approved seminary of the Episcopal Church. Contact your local parish priest to discuss the vocations process.

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Question

Can homosexuals be accepted into priesthood?

Community Answer

Yes. The Episcopal Church ordains homosexual men and women into the priesthood. How well a homosexual person is received into the leadership position depends on how conservative or relaxed the Diocese is. But, in short, yes.

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Question

Is it normal to become a preacher without attending Bible college?

Community Answer

Different faith traditions have different requirements for those who want to become ministers, priests, preachers, etc. In the Episcopal Church, people who want to become priests first will obtain a bachelor's degree. They'll then go to seminary, where most will get a master's degree in theology, divinity, etc. as part of the ordination process.

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