To have such status, one must have ordination papers from a church recognized in Ohio. Several churches that ordain Pagans are recognized, including the Church of Spiral Oak, the Covenant of the Goddess, the Unitarian Universalists, and others. Several NEO-ERAA members are researching which other groups provide ordinations recognized by the State of Ohio. Please e-mail Larry Cornett at lcornett@en.com if your church is so recognized and provide a summary of the requirements in your church for ordination, and its webpage.

The Progressive Universal Life Church is accepted in Ohio and appears to have some of the simplest requirements for ordination. Ordination in the Progressive Universal Life church requires a $20.00 donation. The procedure is to write to them first. When a response is received, write back to them w/ check or money order for the $20 and a request for ordination. The turn around time is 6-8 weeks to receive an ordination certificate. The address is PULC at P. O. Box 276265-F, Sacramento, CA 95827.

Also contact the Ohio Secretary of State at 30 E. Broad St., 14th Floor; Columbus, OH 43266-0418. Request the application for a minister's license. When you receive it, send the completed form, a photocopy of your ordination certificate, and a $10 check or money order to the above address. This will take 2-3 weeks.

By Ohio Law, licensed clergy must report suspected child or elder abuse to authorities, as well as follow State laws when marrying couples. A summary of the laws is provided at licensure.. This license makes chaplaincy status at hospitals, etc. easier to obtain.

NEO-ERAA is in the process of determining what it takes to get a Church recognized in Ohio. When the detailed procedures have been summarized, tested and verified, a web page will be posted about the topic.