Some of the things that could prevent a candidate going forward for ordination
(This is not an exhaustive list) These guidelines do not represent a formal legal statement.
The national Church of England web page with the canons (rules) regarding ordination is here
The candidate has no discernable sense of calling from God
Safeguarding issues
Age limits
- The minimum age for ordination is 23 for deacons and 24 for priests, though you can begin formal exploration when you are younger
- There is an official diocesan policy regarding the maximum age for ordination. This can be summed up as:
- Under 55 at the point of starting training for stipendiary ministry
- Under 57 at the point of starting training for Self-Supporting Ministry
- NOTE: It is Diocesan Bishop's policy not to waive these limits in any circumstances.
The candidate is not a British citizen or does not have the right to work in the UK and so cannot remain here
Baptism and Confirmation
- A candidate must have been baptised and confirmed in the Church of England, with appropriate certification, or have been baptised/confirmed in another Christian denomination, and formally received into the Church of England.
Previous marriage
- If the candidate or their spouse has a previous marriage and their former partner is still living, they have to go through a Canon C4 process.
- This also applies if the candidate is currently single but has more than one previous marriage.
Lack of clear Christian commitment - Significant financial debt (excluding mortgage, car loan or student loan)
- Previously not recommended by a Bishop's Panel three times
- Non-residency in the Leeds Diocesan area - in these cases speak to the DDO in the diocese where you live.
- "Great crimes" - a term used to describe serious criminal activity
- Lack of regular church involvement
Some things that need not prevent you from being ordained (despite what you might have heard!)
You have children
You are disabled
You left school without any qualifications
You grew up in another denomination
You have occasional doubts about your faith
You are female
You don't support the ordination of women-
You find it hard to remember Bible verses 
You have an outstanding student loan to pay off