Orientation & Equivalency (OEI) – Incardination Candidate Training

What it is

A specialized bridging course designed for clergy already ordained in valid apostolic succession who are seeking incardination into the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission. This course focuses on “translation” rather than “formation”—helping experienced ministers align their existing sacramental theology with the specific ethos, governance (Statutes), and ecclesiology of the Mission. It ensures that while we honour your prior orders, we walk together in a unified understanding of the “Open Table” and synodal governance.

Who it’s for

Ordained clergy (Deacons, Priests, or Bishops) currently serving in or retiring from other jurisdictions (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, or Independent) who wish to transfer their canonical residence to the AOCM. It is not for new vocations.

How you will learn

Learning is comparative and reflective. You will engage with the Mission’s core documents (The Ecclesiology & Doctrine, Statutes & Governance) and compare them with your previous formation. The course concludes with a Viva Voce (oral review) with the Rector to discuss alignment, identity, and the practicalities of serving within this specific jurisdiction.

Difficulty level

Advanced (Professional Adaptation)

How long it will take

Approximately 25 hours, including reading the core texts and the final interview. Most learners take about 25 hours to read the Statutes and Ecclesiology documents, watch the orientation lectures, compare liturgies, and prepare for the Viva Voce. This course is self-paced, so the total time will vary from person to person.

Formation Hours and CPD/CEU (what this means)

We estimate this course at 25 Formation Hours (approximately 25 hours of structured learning).

Most learners should take about 25 hours to prepare, pray, work through the material, take notes, review any media, revise their notes, and complete quizzes and assessments. This course is self-paced, so the total time will vary from person to person.

Formation Hours are our way of describing the time you spend in organised study, reflection, and assessment as part of ministerial formation. In many settings, the same idea is described as CPD (Continuing Professional Development) or CEUs (Continuing Education Units). In church life you may also hear phrases like continuing formation, ongoing ministerial development, or in-service training.

Put simply: these are documented learning hours completed after you begin ministry (or during preparation for ministry), so you remain competent, accountable, and safe in your practice — especially in areas like safeguarding.

We are not an accredited CPD/CEU provider. However, some learners may still be able to log their Formation Hours with their church body, employer, or professional association where they require an annual development record. If you plan to record the hours, please check what your body accepts and what evidence they require.

On completion, you will receive a certificate with a unique verification number, which you can use as supporting evidence where a learning log is required.

Important Notice: Course Completion vs. Incardination

Please be aware that successful completion of the Orientation & Equivalency course does not guarantee Incardination into the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission.

While passing this course and the final Viva Voce is a mandatory requirement for all transferring clergy, it is not the final determination. The decision to grant Incardination remains the sole prerogative of the Rector and the Mission Council. This decision is based on a holistic discernment process that includes background checks, psychological stability, theological alignment, and the current needs of the Mission. Academic success in this module is a prerequisite, not a promise of acceptance.

Third-Party Content & Theological Disclaimer

This course is primarily internal, focusing on AOCM documents. However, where we reference external ecumenical texts or comparisons with Roman/Anglican canons, please note that the AOCM Statutes always take precedence for our clergy. This course is designed to highlight where our theology (e.g., regarding the Open Table or Safeguarding) differs from other valid traditions.

Important Reminder

By accessing this course, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, including the “Learning and courses” and “Academic Integrity (Cheating & Plagiarism) Policy” sections.

Course Copyright Notice

All internal course content provided through the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission Learning platform (including text, lesson pages, and templates) is protected by copyright and remains the intellectual property of the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission.

However, this course may reference or link to materials owned by third parties. We do not claim ownership of these external texts, and they remain the copyright of their respective owners.