• ENDORSEMENT RENEWAL

  • Please note that our endorsement requirements have recently changed for our chaplain endorsement, and we also added Lay Leader and Associate Chaplain endorsement levels. Please be sure you understand the new qualifications. If qualifications are not met then you may be recommended to a different endorsement level.

  • Lay Leader Renewal

    Individuals endorsed as a Lay Leader are acknowledged for their leadership with the humanist community. Lay Leaders are representatives of humanism acting within the bounds of the Humanist Society’s statement of ethics and code of conduct.  They have demonstrated a commitment to serving the humanist community and/or representing humanism within interfaith settings. Lay Leaders might organize meetings and discussion groups of local humanists, might work with interfaith coalitions, or might coordinate community service and other volunteering initiatives.

    Qualifications:

    • Strong understanding of humanism and commitment to humanist values
    • Demonstrated leadership experience; preferably in humanist groups and settings
    • Plan for using endorsement (include in application, discuss in interview)
  • Humanist Celebrant Renewal

    Humanist Celebrants may legally perform weddings as well as preside over memorials, coming-of-age, child 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.

    Qualifications:

    • Strong understanding of humanism and commitment to humanist values
    • Public speaking experience strongly preferred
    • Ability to perform minimum of one ceremony per year
    • Understanding of Humanist Celebrant role


    Initial Humanist Celebrant endorsement is valid for a 2-year period.  Renewal is required following 2-year initial endorsement, which is then valid for a 5-year period. 

    By the time of 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).

     

  • Associate Humanist Chaplain Renewal

    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)
  • Humanist Chaplain Renewal

    Chaplains provide emotional and 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.

    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)

    Initial Humanist Chaplain endorsement is valid for a 2-year period.  Renewal is required following 2-year initial endorsement, which is then valid for a 5-year period.

    Please note:  Employers and national chaplain certification boards set their own standards for chaplains.

  • *MDiv Equivalencies

    In accordance with industry standards, MDiv equivalency is defined by the Association of Theological Seminaries (ATS) as “72 graduate semester hours or comparable graduate credits in other systems that represent broad-based work in theology, biblical studies, and the arts of ministry and that include a master’s degree and significant ministerial leadership. Ministerial experience alone is not considered the equivalent of or a substitute for the master’s degree.”

    Due to the secular nature of humanist chaplaincy and lack of humanist oriented graduate programs, the Humanist Society has identified other graduate degrees that we consider equivalent to an MDiv for the purposes of our endorsement. Please note that ATS, graduate schools, and national chaplaincy certification boards do not necessarily accept these as equivalencies for an MDiv.

    Possible equivalencies: MA Religion/Religious Studies, MA Theology/Theological Studies, Masters of Social Work, MA or MS Psychology, MA Leadership Studies
    Applicants who hold other graduate degrees that they believe to be equivalent to an MDiv may request approval within the endorsement application

  • PERSONAL INFORMATION

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  • BACKGROUND INFORMATION



  • If your membership has expired, please rejoin the AHA here.

  • The Humanist Society encourages endorsees to seek continuing education that will help broaden one's understanding of humanism and inform one's work. This includes (but is not limited to); books, articles, lectures, conferences, online courses, onsite courses, group facilitated discussions.

  • The Humanist Society adheres to the Humanist Manifesto III.  Please review the Humanist Manifesto prior to answering the following question.

  • Ethical Code of Conduct

  • Chaplain Covenant

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