Preparatory Stages
The following outline describes the stages of preparation for Unitarian Universalist (UU) ministry and some of the policies and procedures associated with each stage.
Applicant Status
Applicants are persons who have:
- Contacted the Ministerial Credentialing Office or a Regional Sub-Committee on Candidacy (RSCC) office indicating intent to pursue fellowship as a UU minister.
- A record of applicants will be maintained by the local RSCC office.
Aspirant Status
A person in aspirant status has submitted the following forms to the appropriate RSCC Administrator:
- Initial Inquiry Form (RSCC-1: All RSCC and MFC forms are in Appendix)
- Interview Forms: UU minister and UUA Field Staff member/designee (RSCC-2)
- Essay on ministerial aspirations and relevant biography (1-2 pages) in which you say something about who you are and the ministry you feel called to serve.
- A signed Criminal Offense Disclosure/False Representation Statement (RSCC-3)
- A transfer/Plural Standing Form, if applicable. The requirements for clergy seeking transfer or plural standing with the UUA are essentially the same as for all other aspirants. Please note that the MFC seeks evidence of a clear demonstration of motivation and commitment to Unitarian Universalism. Clergy seeking transfer or plural standing must also:
- Sign a consent form allowing for the release of information to certify status of standing in current or prior denomination; (RSCC-4)
- Submit a letter of reference from a ministerial colleague from current or prior denomination;
- Sign a consent form allowing for the release of information to certify status of standing in current or prior denomination; (RSCC-4)
The RSCC office will open a file for each Aspirant and notify the Ministerial Credentialing Office of a person’s Aspirant Status. Aspirants will be placed on the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group’s mailing list and will sent the Religious Leader four times a year. Aspirants may subscribe to the student email list, UUMINS2B.
Aspirants may be eligible for a $1000.00 program assistance grant. Full-time students are eligible for reduced registration rates for the UUA General Assembly. Students who are attending theological school at least half time are eligible to apply for UUA general scholarship aid, payable in the second year of school. Incentive grants are available to people of color and from historically marginalized communities in the first year of theological school by contacting the Ministerial Credentialing Office. Persons seeking transfer or plural standing are not eligible for financial aid from the UUA other than the Program Assistance Grant.
Candidate Status
In addition to 1 through 8 above, a candidate has also:
- Completed and released a career assessment from an approved center
- Completed at least one year of theological educatio
- Been interviewed and granted candidate status by an RSCC.
Please note that as of September 2009, all interns must have interviewed with an RSCC prior to the commencement of their internships. Please be aware that MFC Policy 3, C. 9 states that candidates for the UU ministry “Agreed in writing to defer accepting any ministerial position other than internships and student ministries unless approved by the Ministerial Credentialing Director. Violation of this policy shall render the candidate ineligible for an interview with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee or Ministerial Fellowship for four years from the commencement of the position.”
After being granted candidate status and before requesting an MFC interview, a Candidate must have:
- Completed CPE or the internship and have evaluations
- Completed the MFC Appointment Form (MFC-1)
- Completed the Biographical Form (MFC-2)
- Completed “To All Candidates for Ministerial Fellowship” (MFC-3)
- Obtained Five (5) Letters of Reference (MFC-4)
- Obtained sponsorship from a UU congregation (MFC-5)
Once an MFC interview has been requested and an interview date has been set:
- Completed the Criminal Record/Background Check
- Completed required ministerial packet including MFC Reading List (MFC-6)
- Collaborated with Ministerial Credentialing Director for the Candidate File Review.
In order to protect the integrity of the ministry, in rare instances it may be necessary for the UUA to permanently discourage certain persons from pursuing ministerial fellowship. Therefore, upon the recommendation of the Ministerial Credentialing Director, the Executive Committee of the Ministerial Fellowship Committee may refuse to grant an interview to an individual they deem highly unsuitable for Unitarian Universalist ministry.
A copy of the procedures regarding complaints against candidates for UU ministry is available from the Ministerial Credentialing Office.
For more information contact mco @ uua.org.
Last updated on Tuesday, September 9, 2008.
