Ordinations

This sub sub sub fonds is divided into 6 series as follows:

• Ordination Papers. The documents in these files comprise for the most part letters testimonial, si quis notices, certificates of baptism, titles to orders (usually at this period nominations to curacies) and occasional correspondence. The 16th century bundle consists only of letters testimonial. 1554-1557, 1664-1991 [Ord]
• Ordination Registers, c1540-1543 (fragment), 1874-1924; Candidates for orders 1862-1871 (indexed by person). [Ord.Reg]
• Ordination Lists 1884-1913, 1962-1977. Note: These lists are duplicates of sections in Ord.Reg.2-3. [Ord.L]
• Application forms from candidates for orders, bound, 1875-1905 [Bp.Ord.Reg]
• Registers of Ordination Examination results (Deacons and Priests), 1875-1937 [Bp.Ord.Exam]
• The form of ordaining or consecrating of an Archbishop or a Bishop. N.d. [c1950s] [Ord.Form]

Ordination is the conveying of spiritual authority to an individual through the laying on of hands by a bishop. Until the nineteenth century, the way in which individuals were trained and ordained as clergy was unsatisfactory. Traditionally, individuals were usually accepted for ordination on their having a degree from either Oxford of Cambridge, or having been privately tutored by a clergyman. The theological colleges established in the nineteenth century specifically for the training of clergy enabled more individuals to be trained for the ministry and changed the traditional route to ordination. Today there are a series of stages to ordination. Candidates putting themselves forward for consideration are to acquire the support of the local parish incumbent who will refer the candidate to the Diocesan Director of Ordinands. After a series of meetings and the submission of work for the Diocesan Director of Ordinands there is an interview with the bishop who, if satisfied with the candidate, will offer them support to go forward to the Bishop's Selection Conference. If a candidate is selected then they will go for formal training, either two years full time at a theological college, or three years part time on a regional theological course. The college or course will then recommend to the Bishop candidates for ordination.

A hard copy finding aid, 'York Clergy Ordinations 1500-1899' is available at the Borthwick Institute.