How the Universal Life Church Makes it Possible for Practitioners of Earth-Based Spirituality to Become Certified Professional Chaplains

For individuals who identify as Wiccans, Pagans, or practitioners of other earth-based spiritualities, finding ways to express their devotion and serve their communities can sometimes be challenging. However, there is a solution that provides legal recognition and supports personal spiritual journeys: ordination through the Universal Life Church (ULC).

The ULC was founded in 1962 and is one of the most well-known and respected non-denominational churches in the world. It offers an inclusive and flexible approach to ordination, allowing anyone to become a minister regardless of their religious background or beliefs. This makes it an ideal option for practitioners of earth-based spiritualities who may not find a home in traditional religious institutions.

Once ordained through the ULC, individuals can use the title "Reverend" and perform many of the same duties as a traditional minister, such as officiating weddings, funerals, and other religious ceremonies. They can also use their ordination to gain employment in chaplaincy roles in hospitals, schools, and other healthcare settings.

In order to become a certified professional chaplain, individuals must meet certain requirements, including:

• Graduation from an accredited chaplaincy program
• Minimum two years of chaplaincy experience
• Successful completion of a written exam
• Endorsement from a current BCCI-certified chaplain

The Board of Chaplaincy Certification, Inc. (BCCI) is a non-profit organization that offers certification to chaplains who meet these requirements. BCCI certification is widely recognized and respected by healthcare organizations, making it an important credential for anyone who wants to pursue a career in chaplaincy.

The ULC is a great resource for practitioners of earth-based spiritualities who want to become certified professional chaplains. By offering ordination to anyone regardless of their religious background, the ULC makes it possible for these individuals to express their devotion and serve their communities in a professional capacity.

For practitioners of earth-based spiritualities who are looking to make a difference in the world, ordination through the ULC is a great way to start. By becoming a certified professional chaplain, these individuals can use their skills and talents to provide compassionate and meaningful care to those in need.

The process of becoming a certified professional chaplain through the BCCI is as follows:

1. Complete an accredited chaplaincy program. There are many accredited chaplaincy programs available, both online and in person. The length and requirements of these programs vary, so it is important to do your research and choose a program that is right for you.
2. Gain two years of chaplaincy experience. This experience can be gained through volunteering, internships, or paid positions. It is important to have a variety of experiences in different settings, such as hospitals, schools, and prisons.
3. Pass the BCCI written exam. The BCCI written exam is a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge of chaplaincy principles and practices. You can find more information about the exam on the BCCI website.
4. Obtain an endorsement from a current BCCI-certified chaplain. An endorsement from a current BCCI-certified chaplain is required for BCCI certification. You can find potential endorsers by searching the BCCI directory.
5. Submit your application to the BCCI. Once you have completed all of the requirements, you can submit your application to the BCCI. The BCCI will review your application and make a decision about your certification.

Becoming a certified professional chaplain is a challenging but rewarding experience. It is a great way to use your skills and talents to make a difference in the world. If you are interested in becoming a certified professional chaplain, I encourage you to learn more about the BCCI and the requirements for certification.