How Do I Qualify for BCE Endorsement?
- BCE endorsed Chaplains are required to ordained at least at the level of Novice Buddhist Priest: either the Chaplain will be required to show proof of such Buddhist ordination, or will need to qualify for such ordination by FMZO.
- Applicants must have a minimum of two years activity in a ministerial role as a member of Buddhist Sangha in a recognized Buddhist tradition of practice.
- Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours at a recognized college or university.
- Applicants must have either completed a Masters of Divinity that included specific education in Buddhism and/or Chaplaincy/Pastoral Care, or they must show proof of enrollment in an MA or MDiv program approved by BCE. Alternative education and training will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Ministerial Fitness: All applicants are required to provide letters of recommendation from his/her Sangha leader and at least one of the following: a CPE Supervisor, Academic Adviser and/or Psychotherapist in support of his/her ministerial fitness.
- BCE requires that each applicant observes the values of diversity and respects beliefs and religions while practicing and maintaining an active role as a Buddhist cleric. BCE reserves the right to withdraw standing.
- Further, to become and to remain an endorsed BCE Chaplain the candidate must maintain active membership of a Buddhist community, be an actively practicing Buddhist, and either be employed as a chaplain or actively seeking such work.
- Chaplains are required to report to the BCE Abbot of Buddhist Chaplaincy the moment they no longer meet one of these requirements and are made aware that this may result in the withdrawal of BCE endorsement.
In addition, for APC endorsement as a board certified, provisional chaplain, or associate chaplain the following are required:
- Successful completion of the minimum number of CPE units required for the level of certification.
- Copies of the letters of recommendations needed by the APC for the level of certification.
- Nomination by one or more members of the BCE Chaplaincy Leadership
