Endorsements Available

Associate Humanist Celebrant: This introductory endorsement level is a one-time celebrant status valid for a 90-day period. If after 90 days, you want to continue with this endorsement we encourage you to apply to become a Humanist Celebrant, in which case, your application fee and reference requirement will be waived. Associate Celebrants are granted the rights equivalent to ordained clergy allowing them to legally perform weddings under the jurisdiction of the law within their state and subject to “clergy” confidentiality.

Qualifications:

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Humanist Celebrant: Humanist Celebrants may legally perform weddings as well as preside over memorials, coming-of-age, baby welcomings and other life milestone ceremonies. Humanist Celebrants have the rights equivalent to ordained clergy, allowing them to legally perform weddings under the jurisdiction of the law within their state and subject to “clergy” confidentiality.

Initial Humanist Celebrant endorsement is valid for a 2-year period. Renewal is required following 2-year initial endorsement. See section on Humanist Celebrant Renewal for more information.

Please note: by the time of your 2 year renewal, celebrants must have performed at least 2 ceremonies (of any type). Similarly, by the time of your 5 year renewal, celebrants must have performed at least 5 ceremonies (of any type).

Those less familiar with humanism or unsure about fulfilling the role of Humanist Celebrant should consider “Associate Humanist Celebrant” designation.

Qualifications:

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Humanist Celebrant Renewal: Initial Humanist Celebrant endorsement is valid for a 2-year period. Celebrants desiring to continue status at this endorsement level need to seek renewal. If granted continued endorsement, Humanist Celebrants are then valid for a 5-year period before renewal is again required.

Qualifications:

  • Completed application
  • $100 annual professional fee
  • American Humanist Association Membership
  • Understanding of Humanist Celebrant role
  • If seeking renewal after initial 2-year endorsement a celebrant needs to have officiated a minimum of 2 ceremonies. If seeking renewal after 5-year endorsement a celebrants needs to have officiated a minimum of 5 ceremonies.

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Humanist Lay Leader (Military): This endorsement level is for those committed to supporting a military installation in organizing humanist meetings within chaplain services in accordance with various military requirements. Lay Leaders are encouraged over time to apply for full Celebrant status as their qualifications and commitment to humanism grow. The Society understands that some applicants may refuse any clergy-related titles and opt instead to remain a Lay Leader.

Qualifications:

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Humanist Chaplain: A chaplain represents Humanist values and principles in secular institutions such as a hospital, nursing home, prison, military unit, school, police department, university and/or humanist community. This is intended for those working as chaplains and will not be given or renewed for those not intending to work in an institutional setting and will not be renewed for those who have not had significant institutional work during the endorsement period. Chaplains are distinguished from Celebrants in their responsibility and authority to work with non-humanists as well as humanists. This position is distinguished by a professional chaplain’s covenant (see appendix) to serve all and exploit none.

Initial Humanist Chaplain endorsement is valid for a 2-year period. Renewal is required following 2-year initial endorsement. See section on Humanist Chaplain Renewal below for more information.

The Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc., an affiliate of the Association for Professional Chaplains (APC), sets their own standards for certification (APC standards for certification). APC recognizes the Humanist Society as an endorser of chaplains. The Humanist Society provides endorsement that one is authentically humanist. Employers may require specific professional certifications for individuals to function as a chaplain within their institution

Qualifications:

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Humanist Chaplain Renewal: Initial Humanist Chaplain endorsement is valid for a 2-year period. A Chaplain desiring to continue status at this endorsement level needs to seek renewal. If granted continued endorsement, Humanist Chaplains are then valid for a 5-year period before renewal is again required.

Qualifications:

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Humanist Celebrant & Humanist Chaplain (dual endorsement): The Chaplain endorsement does not grant equivalent rights as clergy to legally perform weddings under the jurisdiction of most states within the U.S. without additionally holding a Celebrant endorsement. Chaplains who wish to have the privilege to legally perform weddings are encouraged to apply for dual endorsement of Humanist Chaplain and Humanist Celebrant.

Initial Humanist Chaplain and Humanist Celebrant (dual endorsement) is valid for a 2-year period. Renewal is required following 2-year initial endorsement. See section on Humanist Chaplain and Humanist Celebrant Renewal below for more information.

Please note: by the time of your 2 year renewal, applicants must have performed at least 2 ceremonies as a celebrant (of any type). Similarly, by the time of your 5 year renewal, applicants must have performed at least 5 ceremonies as a celebrant (of any type).

Qualifications:

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Humanist Chaplain and Humanist Celebrant Renewal (dual endorsement): Initial Humanist Chaplain and Humanist Celebrant endorsement is valid for a 2-year period. A Chaplain and Celebrant desiring to continue status at this endorsement level needs to seek renewal. If granted continued endorsement, Humanist Chaplains and Humanist Celebrant are then valid for a 5-year period before renewal is again required.

Qualifications:

  • Completed application
  • $100 annual professional fee
  • American Humanist Association Membership
  • Please note: by the time of your 2 year renewal , applicants must have performed at least 2 ceremonies as a celebrant (of any type). Similarly, by the time of your 5 year renewal , applicants must have performed at least 5 ceremonies as a celebrant (of any type).
  • Service as chaplain subsequent to endorsement

*If seeking renewal after initial 2-year endorsement a celebrant needs to have officiated a minimum of 2 ceremonies. If seeking renewal after 5-year endorsement a celebrants needs to have officiated a minimum of 5 ceremonies.

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