People of God in Southern Ohio,
I write to you today with an important update regarding our lay licensing process and some new expectations around this for your planning and formation.
Bishop White is committed to the flourishing of each of our faith communities. Having a robust lay licensing process with appropriate formation is key to ensuring our lay leaders understand the ministry to which they are being licensed and called, and are equipped to lead the area well, and have a dedicated supervision relationship with the ecclesiastical authority of the parish they are licensed to serve.
Our website has been updated with information about the process of lay licensing in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
In our diocese, a confirmed communicant in good standing may be licensed by the bishop to serve in specific roles: pastoral leader, worship leader, preacher, eucharistic minister, eucharistic visitor, evangelist, or catechist. All those seeking a license must have completed Safe Church certification and dismantling racism training prior to licensure. It is the bishop’s expectation that applicants will also have completed formation or form of continuing education appropriate to the license being sought. More specific information is available on the Lay Licensing Page.
Unless otherwise stated on your certificate, all licenses expire on the eve of Advent 1, Year A (this year, on November 29, 2025), or upon transfer of membership outside of the Diocese of Southern Ohio. We recommend waiting to apply for a new license or renewal until after this date has passed. Moving forward, all licenses will expire and be up for renewal each Advent 1, Year A.
Our office is verifying training records for all current licensees to ensure up-to-date status with Safe Church and Dismantling Racism. If we do not have record of your training or if your training is out of date, you will receive another email prompting you to complete that requirement.
The application form for licenses (both new and renewal) is available below and from the Lay Licensing Page.
Please contact me with any questions.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Canon Jodi L. Baron
Canon to the Ordinary
The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
Email Jodi
This notice was sent on July 17, 2025 to all clergy, vestry members, parish administrators, and those currently holding active licenses (for whom we have email addresses on record).
