Ordinations

Ordained ministry is a call to build up the Body of Christ through sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, the celebration of the sacraments, teaching, preaching and pastoral care. Those interested in pursuing a vocation in ministry should look at the Church of England web page Your Calling.

The Diocesan Registrar is responsible for preparing the necessary papers for new clergy appointments, including ordinations. These papers typically include an oath of allegiance, a declaration of assent and an oath of canonical obedience. The form of the declaration and oaths is set out in the Canons of the Church of England (Canon C13 for Oath of Allegiance, Canon C14 for the Oath of Obedience and Canon C15 for the Declaration of Assent). The Registrar is also involved in checking the candidate’s certificates. These will include birth and degree certificates, certificates of baptism and confirmation, and testimony of their former good life for a deacon, and letters of orders with similar testimony for a priest).