Q&A for How to Become an Episcopal Priest

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

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.

Yes. The church ratified this in the 70s.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

While the typical age range for becoming an Episcopal priest is 20-50, you can still spread the Gospel through social media or by leading a small church gathering.

Yes, you can, but ensure it's from a recognized institution, not just any online course. Many established Bible colleges and seminaries offer remote learning options, and completing a degree from one of these is equivalent to attending in person. However, it's best to speak with your Bishop to confirm its acceptance or pursue a degree from a recognized institution.

Yes, you can go to college and get certified to become a priest, but it would be hard to find a job. As a priest, you are expected to give religious advice, and if you don't believe in what you're saying, it can be challenging to provide genuine guidance. Additionally, you may not be respected as a priest if you are a nonbeliever.

There is no set maximum age, but it can vary from diocese to diocese. Research your local diocese to find out their specific age requirements.

A call to the priesthood is a clear message from God without doubt, as God is Truth and not confusion. While anyone can have great faith and should, not everyone is called to be a priest. The ministry is vast and includes many different paths beyond priesthood.

The retirement age for Episcopal priests was set by the Church to minimize criticism and errors associated with age. While priests may retire from formal positions like Vicar or Bishop, they continue to serve God in different ways. Having a set retirement age helps prevent potential liability and external critique, similar to discussions about the age of leaders like Former US President Joe Biden.

Yes, an ordained minister from a full communion partner denomination, like the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or the Moravian Church, can potentially be accepted into the priesthood of the Episcopal Church. The process is usually smoother due to the mutual recognition of ministries. You would begin by joining an Episcopal congregation and working with your priest and diocese, who will guide you through a discernment process, which might involve interviews or training, depending on your background and the diocese’s rules. Contact your local Episcopal diocese for specific requirements, as they can vary.

There is no universal age requirement to become a priest, as it varies by denomination and church rules. In the Catholic Church, you typically need to be at least 25 to be ordained, though you can start seminary earlier, often around 18-20. In the Episcopal Church, the process usually begins in adulthood (20s or older) after discernment, with ordination often happening later.

If you aim to become a priest, your Master's in International Law might not shorten the typical three-year seminary requirement, like a Master of Divinity program, in most denominations such as the Episcopal or Catholic Church.

The timeframe is determined by you and your local Bishop. Typically, a Bachelor's in Theology takes about 3 years, and seminary time may vary. Your Bishop might have you wait around 3 years under the training of experienced clergy.

Speak to your local Bishop, as there may be documents to sign and a formal service of re-dedication. The Bishop will also need to communicate with your former Roman Catholic Bishop, especially if you left on good terms. If you left on bad terms, approach the Bishop, who may find an alternative way.

Facial piercings and tattoos should generally be avoided, as they are considered "graffiti on your personal temple." There are exceptions, but facial piercings are still relatively uncommon in the priesthood.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.