Incardination is the process where a religious brother or sister, deacon, priest, or Bishop becomes canonically part of a Church, in this instance, the United American Catholic Church. There are two types of incardination. One takes place as a result of the ordination of an individual. At that time, they are assigned to a diocese or a Religious Order within the Church. The other takes place when an ordained individual seeks to change dioceses or move from one Church to another.

Our earliest Church Councils stated the importance that every Catholic Cleric belong to a particular church and a particular Bishop. What does this look like today? The Cleric, as a member of the Church, is afforded certain rights and privileges. As accorded the Cleric's status, these privileges come with certain obligations and responsibilities - such as obedience to their Bishop. Equally, the Bishop has certain obligations and responsibilities - to support the well-being of their clergy and make sure that they fulfill their duties. This obligation necessitates a communion between the clergy and their Bishop. In a sense, it is a type of co-operation with the Bishop's ministry.

Why Incardination? Often the clergy person, through spiritual growth and a more in-depth understanding of their vocation, no longer feels called to minister in the Church of their ordination. Also, divergence in polity, lack of Sacramental efficacy, or even leadership failures can lead a Cleric to seek a new home. Whatever the case may be, we approach each objectively and with the best interests of all concerned.

Clergy ordained with valid Apostolic Succession, male or female, single or married, and or LGBTQ, desiring incardination should contact the Presiding Bishop or Chancellor and arrange for an exploratory interview. If both parties think it appropriate, the application process can begin.

Candidates will be asked for, among other things, a letter of spousal support if appropriate, letters of recommendation, educational transcripts, a background check, and possibly a psychological assessment of fitness for ministry.

The UACC welcomes candidates from the USA and its territories, Canada, and Mexico. At this time, we are unable to take on candidates from outside the North American Continent.