Clergy licensing

The following is a step-by-step guide from the Bishop's Office for clergy seeking to be licensed by the Diocese of Washington. Please contact the Bishop's Office with any questions about his process.

We welcome you to the Diocese of Washington and hope that your time in our midst will be an opportunity for ministry and a time of fellowship. Licensing to officiate is done annually. In order to approve your request we need to have some specific information from you and we need to inform you of the requirements for the issuance of a license and the conditions for its retention. These are as follows:

1. A personal interview must be scheduled with Bishop John Chane. [contact the Bishop's Office]

2. A letter must be presented from the Bishop of the diocese in which you are canonically resident stating that you are currently a priest in good standing.

3. You must be residing within the geographical boundaries of this diocese or an adjacent suburb.

4. You must be worshipping regularly in, and pledging to a congregation of this diocese and provide a letter from the Rector or Vicar of that congregation to that effect.

5. You must indicate how you will exercise a significant sacramental ministry in a congregation of this diocese.

6. You must be willing to serve at the option of the diocese either as a supply cleric or on a committee of this diocese. [view diocesan committees and supply clergy form]

7. For those seeking to be licensed a background check along with a credit check will be required at your expense or that of the parish you are called to serve. This can be arranged through the Bishop’s office. [contact the Bishop's Office]

8. All clergy are expected to follow and adhere to the standards set below:

(A) “The Washington Episcopal Clergy Association (WECA) Guidelines”

(B) “Policies and Procedures Concerning Allegations and Incidents of Sexual Misconduct” (Contact Bishop's Office)

9. No later than six months from the time of licensing you must have completed eight hours of approved training on the “Prevention of Adult Sexual Misconduct” and “Child Sexual Abuse” unless a certificate of training from another diocese is provided. [Information on the Prevention Training program]

10. You understand the policy of this Diocese that no current Interim or Priest-in-Charge, by whatever title, may be considered for the rectorship of the parish he/she is serving. You agree that if you apply, for the position of rector of that parish, you will immediately resign your interim position. You further agree that if, regardless of the fact that you have not applied, but you are being considered for the position of rector, you will either immediately resign your interim position or affirm to the parish or those involved in the search process that you will not accept the call as rector if received and abide by that affirmation.

It is not necessary to be licensed to perform occasional sacramental or official acts, i.e, marriage, baptism, burial, guest preacher or “visiting” celebrant - provided you have the written permission of the Rector of the congregation in which their service is to be performed.

Your application for a license will indicate your agreement to the above terms and conditions and your understanding that the retention of any license issued will be dependent on your continuing compliance with them.

If you wish to make an application for a license, please send in the required documentation (mentioned above) and call the Bishops' offices to set up a personal interview.