Anglican Free Communion International

Anglican Diocese of Saint George

 

Chaplains serve as the pastoral and sacramental presence of the Church in a wide range of institutional and non-parochial settings—hospitals, military installations, correctional facilities, schools, disaster zones, workplaces, and beyond. Ecclesiastical endorsement is the Church’s formal recognition that a chaplain is called, prepared, and authorized to carry out ministry on behalf of the Church in these contexts.

 

The Anglican Diocese of Saint George, as the designated chaplaincy jurisdiction of the Anglican Free Communion International, upholds the following requirements for chaplaincy endorsement, ensuring fidelity to Anglican identity and readiness for public ministry.

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Eligibility Requirements

 

• Communicant Membership

  Candidates must be baptized and confirmed members in good standing within a jurisdiction of the Anglican Free Communion International, affirming the historic creeds, the authority of Scripture, and the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church.

• Clerical or Lay Status

  Endorsement is typically granted to ordained deacons or priests. However, laypersons with substantial ministry training and appropriate institutional roles (e.g., hospice, disaster relief, prison education) may be considered for lay chaplaincy endorsement on a case-by-case basis.

• Theological Education

  Ordained applicants should hold a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent degree from a recognized seminary. Consideration may also be given to those with alternative training and demonstrable theological competence, especially in missional or bivocational contexts.

• Pastoral and Clinical Competency

  For healthcare or professional certification, at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is preferred. Additional training, supervision, or peer mentoring may be required for those serving in high-acuity or specialized environments.

• Spiritual and Moral Fitness

  All candidates must exhibit maturity in faith, emotional intelligence, and a pastoral presence suited to pluralistic and high-stress environments. A background check, references, and, if necessary, a psychological or vocational assessment may be required.​

 

Application Process

 

1. Discernment & Inquiry

   An initial conversation with the Bishop or designated Endorsing Officer of the Diocese to determine vocational clarity and institutional expectations.

2. Formal Application Submission

   Required documentation includes:

    

   • A spiritual autobiography or statement of vocation

   • Academic transcripts and ordination certificates (if applicable)

   • Three letters of recommendation (bishop, colleague, and supervisor or spiritual mentor)

   • Current résumé or curriculum vitae

   • Record of CPE, pastoral training, or continuing education

3. Evaluation & Interview

   A formal review conducted by the Bishop and/or a Chaplain Endorsement Committee, assessing the applicant’s readiness and alignment with the mission of the Diocese and Communion.

4. Issuance of Endorsement

   Upon approval, the Bishop will issue a Letter of Ecclesiastical Endorsement, affirming the candidate’s authority to serve as a chaplain under the auspices of the Anglican Free Communion International.

5. Ongoing Relationship and Accountability

   Endorsed chaplains are expected to:

    

   • Remain in good standing with the Bishop and Vicariate

   • Participate in regular check-ins, retreats, or continuing education

   • Abide by the Ethics Policy and Safe Church Standards of the Diocese

   • Submit annual ministry reports or renewals as requested

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A Vocational Partnership

 

Chaplaincy is not a peripheral ministry—it is a vital expression of the Church’s presence in the world. The Anglican Diocese of Saint George is committed to walking with our chaplains, not only as endorsers, but as spiritual shepherds and advocates, ensuring that those who serve on the frontlines of human experience do so with the full support and prayers of the Church.