The legality of online ordination has been the subject of recent court cases in a variety of states. Laws regarding this issue are constantly evolving, so it’s important to have up-to-the minute information about whether you’ll be able to legally perform different ceremonies where you live. [3] X Research source Organizations such as prisons and hospitals that allow outside ministers to visit and minister to their clients, inmates, and patients have the right to refuse recognition to certain ministers. Many federal institutions, especially those addressing the needs of veterans and the military, do not recognize online ordinations no matter how legal they may be.
Some churches, such as the Catholic Church and the LDS Church, may consider becoming a minister in another religion apostasy,[4] X Research source and grounds for immediate excommunication. If you’re unsure, ask your local clergy for guidance.
Some online churches are non-denominational or interfaith and open to people of any religious background. If you are actively involved in another religion, be sure to check that becoming a non-denominational minister will not affect your standing in your religion.
Some sites are quite religious, while others are purposely unaffiliated with any particular religion. Choose a service that will send you a hard copy of your credentials, with an original signature and a seal. Additionally, find out if they’ll send a letter of good standing or a wallet card. [6] X Research source Free ordinations will usually provide a certificate to be printed from your browser. A higher-quality version, often with a gold seal will normally have to be ordered for a nominal fee. Don’t be fooled by sites that say a church must be a tax-exempt organization to be valid. This is not true. It is totally up to the organization to decide if they wish to apply to the IRS for tax-exempt status. Some organizations choose to keep government out of religion through the payment of taxes.
Avoid organizations that do not list their contact information on their site or do not respond to your attempts to contact them. Know that your ordination may or may not allow you to perform weddings in your state. You must check the state requirements by calling the clerk in the county in which the wedding is going to be performed. Find out about renewal fees. Some ministries will ordain you for life, while others will only ordain you for a year.
Full legal name Mailing address Valid email address A fee, usually about $50. 00
