Rev. Dawn Fortune receiving charge from Dr Janice Marie Johnson at their installation

Ordination is the congregational act of bestowing formal recognition of a minister's authority. An installation is the congregational act of formally entering into shared ministry with their professional minister.

The UUA's Ordination and Installation Handbook (PDF) was edited by Rev. Erika Hewitt, with content written by Rev. Wendy Bartel, Rev. Mary Gear, Rev. Jennifer Ryu, and Rev. Connie Simon.

We're grateful to all others who contributed their words, ideas, and experience to this document—including the process of updating it regularly. Indeed, the original 2019 handbook was updated in April 2023 to reflect shifting needs.

Our Ministerial Credentialing page contains information about the process of working towards ordination.

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  • This is the hour. The time has come. Mindful of our responsibilities as leaders of this faith and guardians of the living tradition, we call upon that great cloud of witnesses—those who came before, those who are here now and those who have yet to come. We seek their presence, love and support in...
    Chalice Lighting | By Connie Simon | December 13, 2017 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), 6th Principle (World Community), Business Meetings, Calling, Generations, Governance, Leadership, Ordinations, Prophetic Words & Deeds, Responsibility, Secular, Teamwork, Tradition, Unitarian Universalism, Wisdom
  • With our words we have given our mind's consent to the letter of this covenant. Now let us come together in the spirit of covenant, laying on our hands, and offering our heart's consent. As we begin, join me in placing your hands over your heart. Feel its precious beating....
    Blessing | By Keith Goheen | April 22, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: 3rd Principle (Acceptance & Spiritual Growth), Commitment, Compassion, Hospitality, Installations, Ministry, Ordinations, Presence, Relationships, Reverence, Service, Spirituality, Tradition, Unitarian Universalism, WorshipWeb
  • Never from that summons swerve; Hark the prophets' living chorus! Truth and freedom still to serve Show the present path before us. As we dream, so shall we dare; Hands to service, hearts to prayer. Clouds of witness call us on, That a nobler day may dawn.
    Music | By Kendyl L. R. Gibbons | February 18, 2015 | From WorshipWeb
    Tagged as: Community Ministry Sunday, Faith, Freedom, Installations, Ordinations, Service, Tradition, Truth, Unitarian Universalism