CONFIDENTIAL, for Assessment Conference Staff and Sponsoring Bishop Only

THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON POSTULANTS FOR ORDINATION The Anglican Church of Canada Reference Questionnaire

Dear...... Date:......

Re:......

The person named above is being assessed for suitability for ordination in the Anglican Church of Canada.

ACPO, the Advisory Committee on Postulants for Ordination, is responsible for a national discernment process advisory to bishops. ACPO evaluates all persons seeking acceptance for ordination to the priesthood in the Anglican Church of Canada. It is one of the four arenas of the discernment process.

This applicant has indicated that you are willing to serve as referee. We appreciate your taking the time to assist in the assessment process by writing a reference letter, using the following guidelines and focussing on those areas in which you feel most able to give an opinion:

1. In what capacity and to what extent have you become familiar with the life and attitudes of the applicant?

2. Please describe your knowledge of the applicant’s Christian faith.

3. What qualities does this person possess which make him/her a suitable candidate for ministry?

4. Please describe to the best of your knowledge the candidate’s experience - whether formal or informal - as a volunteer in either church or community.

5. Does this person demonstrate leadership ability? If so, how?

6. Is this person effective in group or team participation? Include if possible a description of mediation skills.

7. Please describe the degree to which this person demonstrates awareness of and concern about major social issues.

8. Is this person motivated, or, in other words, a “self-starter”? Please comment.

9. How does this person handle stressful situations or crisis?

10. Comment on this person’s communication skills.

11. Comment on the extent to which you consider this person to be well rounded in his/her interests and activities.

Please provide any other information that you deem pertinent.

We need your reference letter before______.

Please return to:

Yours faithfully,

ACPO Secretary Revised, November, 1999