Columbia, S.C. — Cherry Hill Seminary will accept applications for Seminary ordination its program graduates, by vote of the Board of Directors.
Board Chair Dana Doerksen said, “Cherry Hill Seminary is proud to establish a clear path to ordination, ensuring that our graduates’ rigorous education and formation are recognized in a way that reflects their study and preparation. This initiative affirms our commitment to preparing qualified Pagan clergy who will serve their communities with integrity and professional accountability.”
Cherry Hill Seminary students who have received their Master of Divinity degree, Community Ministry Certificate, or Spiritual Direction Certificate are eligible to apply for ordination by the Seminary. Ordination signifies a commitment to serving others using the knowledge and skills gained in these programs, as well as demonstration of personal integrity, and approval by the Clergy Review Committee.
The Clergy Review Committee is composed of experienced ministers from our faculty and is independent from Seminary administration. It will meet twice yearly, as needed, to review applicants. Applicants must be interviewed by the committee. Those accepted will be ordained in a virtual ceremony by the Seminary.
Applicants who have received their Community Ministry Certificate must also complete an additional month of supervised internship with a local organization. Their CMC faculty-mentor will guide them through placement in and completion of that internship. A key element of all applications is agreement with the Cherry Hill Seminary Clergy Ethical Code.
Rev. Dr. Robert Patrick, a faculty member who also serves on the Ordination Review Committee noted, “Pagan practitioners are very often solitary and not part of a highly organized community. They may be associated with international organizations without a local affiliate. For Cherry Hill Seminary to become an ordaining institution means that it embodies the needed spiritual community that stands behind the act and practice of ordained ministry.”
Those wishing to apply may find more detailed information at this link, including an application form. Applicants will be reviewed twice annually, and must apply for renewal every five years.
Cherry Hill Seminary serves Pagan and Nature-based communities by providing transformative education and empowering students to advance academically and lead spiritually. For more information contact CHS@cherryhillseminary.org, or leave a voice mail at 1-803-862-9088.
