Information and Guidance for Ordained Clergy

About Ordination

Ordination is the act of investing an individual with the functions of a minister, priest, rabbi or equivalent. Ordination in the Church may be conducted by the on-line and e-mail process used on the UCTAA web site, or it may be performed in person by one of the Church's Bishops or Patriarchs.

It is the responsibility of the ordaining authority to create and retain records of those ordained in the event an ordination is questioned. Should your ordination be challenged, then contact whoever ordained you. The address should be on your certificate. Church Headquarters does not possess a central registry of all those ordained, only those ordained through the web site of the headquarters.

NOTE: The central records of the church are also incomplete (thanks to the loss of a hard drive.) If you were ordained prior to May 2000 and have not had contact with the Church since then, please contact the Patriarch of the Church

As far as the UCTAA is concerned, ordination is for life. There is no process to revoke an ordination. However, there is no guarantee that a church to which you may transfer your beliefs will recognize your ordination.

Functions of the Clergy

Members of the clergy have three main functions: introducing others to the teachings of the Church; conducting ceremonies; and pastoral duties. Further information is located in the linked sections.

• Advocacy
• Ceremonial
• Pastoral Duties

Incorporation

While clergy are members of the Church, their ministries are independent entities. As such, they and their acts are not covered by the corporate umbrella of the Headquarters of the Church. Consequently, active clergy may elect to explore the benefits of incorporating their ministries and/or seeking nonprofit charitable or religious status.

• Incorporation Considerations

Becoming a Bishop

• Information and Guidance for Bishops