Unitarian Universalist Ordination

Ordained Unitarian Universalist (UU) ministers serve in many capacities as ministers, educators, chaplains, advocates and activists in congregational settings and in the community at large. All who wish to be ordained must complete these requirements.

There are three stages of education and preparation to become a Unitarian Universalist Minister: Aspirant, Candidate, Fellowship1.

Aspirant status

A person in Aspirant Status has submitted the following forms to the Ministerial Credentialing Office.

  • Initial Inquiry Form
  • Interview Form—from a UU minister  
  • Transfer/Plural Standing Forms (if applicable)  
  • Evidence of acceptance to a theological school or another approved program, or graduation from theological school with submission of all official transcripts from prior graduate level academic preparation 
  • Signed Application for Candidacy form, which stipulates agreement to abide by the Rules and Policies of the Ministerial Fellowship Committee and 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  
  • Signed Criminal Offense Disclosure Form/False Representation Statement  
  • Congregational sponsorship obtained and Statement of Congregational Sponsorship has been submitted on behalf of the aspirant. (Clergy seeking dual or transfer standing or active UUA regional staff may have this requirement waived. Please contact the Ministerial Credentialing Director for further information.)  


Candidate status

In addition to the steps above, a person in Candidate Status has also:

  • Completed an approved career assessment program and the written report has been received by the Ministerial Credentialing Office  
  • Completed at least one year of theological education 
  • Submitted final evaluations from a field education experience, CPE/CPSP unit and/or an internship

Prior to the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) interview, a Candidate will have:

  • Completed the MFC Appointment Request form  
  • Scheduled an interview with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) 
  • Submitted MFC paperwork required for the interview packet

Preliminary Fellowship is granted at the discretion of the MFC

Final Fellowship requires additional years of experience and is also granted by the Ministerial Fellowship Committee

1 Note: these requirements are subject to change. For the most current and complete information, see Preparatory Stages of Becoming a Minister on the Unitarian Universalist Association website.