Humanist Chaplains

 

Humanist Chaplains 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 to serve all and exploit none.

Endorsement by the Humanist Society does not entitle a humanist chaplain to a paid chaplain position at an institution.  Any given institute may require volunteers or paid staff to have professional certifications, whether related to chaplaincy, counseling or other credentials. The society endorsement affirms 1) the individual can authentically represent humanism and 2) the individual is ready to serve according to professional standards within and outside the humanist community.

The Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI), an affiliate of the Association for Professional Chaplains (APC), sets their own standards for certification.  APC recognizes the Humanist Society as an endorser of chaplains.  Employers may require specific professional certifications for individuals to function as a chaplain within their institution.  Click here for more information on the standards set by the BCCI.

Endorsement Levels


Humanist Chaplain: Chaplains provide guidance and emotional or spiritual support within secular institutions such as a hospital, nursing home, prison, military unit, school, police department, university and/or humanist community. Individuals endorsed as Chaplains have completed a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent degree and the necessary units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or supervised ministry. Chaplains are encouraged to pursue certification through a national chaplaincy board.

Initial Humanist Chaplain endorsement is valid for an initial 2-year period and then may renew their endorsement for 5-year periods thereafter.

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

NOTE: 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 are encouraged to apply to be a Celebrant.  Chaplain/Celebrant application requires only a single application, application fee, annual professional dues payment, and re-endorsement process.

Qualifications:

  • MDiv or equivalent degree* from accredited institution
    • Possible equivalencies: MA Religion/Religious Studies, MA Theology/Theological Studies, Masters of Social Work, MA or MS Psychology, MA Leadership Studies
    • (Work experience alone will not meet educational equivalency standards for the Chaplain endorsement.)
  • At least 800 hours (2 units) of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), supervised ministry, internships, or direct work experience in chaplaincy
    • Note: Many different kinds of supervised work experience may meet this requirement for the purposes of our endorsement. However, employers and national chaplaincy boards may hold narrower standards for CPE and possible equivalencies
  • Demonstrated experience providing emotional and spiritual support for crisis, grief, and/or trauma
  • Strong understanding of humanism and commitment to humanist values
  • Ability to work in interfaith settings
  • Understanding of Chaplain role
  • Plan for using endorsement (include in application, discuss in interview

 

Other Requirements:apply_button_new


Associate Humanist Chaplains:

Individuals endorsed as Associate Chaplains are seeking or currently serving in chaplain roles, but do not meet all the qualifications for chaplain status. Associate Chaplains have completed or are currently enrolled in a Master’s of Divinity (MDiv) program or educational equivalent, but have not necessarily completed their required CPE or supervised ministry. Associate Chaplains might take volunteer or part-time roles as they explore careers in chaplaincy, or might work in settings that don’t require board certification or traditional chaplain qualifications.

Qualifications:

  • Completed (Or currently enrolled in) MDiv or equivalent education* from accredited institution
    • Possible equivalencies: MA Religion/Religious Studies, MA Theology/Theological Studies, Masters of Social Work, MA or MS Psychology, MA Leadership Studies
    • (5+ years of full-time work experience in relevant fields may qualify as an MDiv equivalency for the Associate Chaplain endorsement)
  • Demonstrated experience providing emotional and spiritual support for crisis, grief, and/or trauma
  • Strong understanding of humanism and commitment to humanist values
  • Ability to work in interfaith settings
  • Understanding of Associate Chaplain role
  • Plan for using endorsement (include in application, discuss in interview)

Other Requirements:
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Dual Endorsement:

Humanist Chaplains or Associate Chaplains may wish to combine their endorsement with our Celebrant endorsement in order to officiate humanist ceremonies like weddings or memorial services. Only the Celebrant endorsement grants the legal authority to solemnize marriages and perform other humanist ceremonies. If you are seeking dual endorsement, please be sure you understand the requirements and expectations for each individual endorsement you are applying for. You may apply for dual endorsement at no extra cost.

Read more about our humanist celebrant endorsement here.apply_button_new