Minnesota Certificate Ordination Template

Minnesota Certificate Ordination Template

The Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form is a crucial document for ministers in the state seeking to perform civil marriages legally. It must be paired with the original Ordination Certificate and contains essential details including statutes for authorization and requirements. Interested ministers are prompted to reaffirm their qualifications and confirm their compliance with state laws by submitting this form.

Ready to take the next step in your ministerial duties? Ensure your legal ability to officiate weddings in Minnesota by filling out the required form. Click the button below to get started.

Make This Minnesota Certificate Ordination Now

In Minnesota, the careful orchestration of civil marriages involves a critical document known as the Certificate of Ordination Form, underscoring the state's meticulous approach to legalizing such unions. This form, integral to the process, must be paired with the original Ordination Certificate and subsequently submitted through specified communication channels, underscored by its importance in the validation process. According to Minnesota Statute 517.04, a diverse array of individuals, including judges, court administrators, certain educational administrators, and ministers of any religious denomination, are vested with the authority to solemnize civil marriages. Further, Statute 517.05 delineates the prerequisites for ministers desiring to officiate civil marriages, mandating the filing of their credentials or equivalent authority with a local registrar. This essential step not only legitimizes their capacity to officiate marriages but also interlinks with the broader legal framework aimed at ensuring marriages are conducted by duly authorized persons, thus maintaining the integrity of civil marriages in Minnesota. Additionally, the form serves as a declaration by the minister of their comprehension and adherence to these statutes, alongside options to denote the duration of their authorization to perform marriages. Penalties for the violation of these statutory provisions, as outlined in Statutes 517.14 and 517.15, emphasize the state's commitment to upholding the solemnity and legality of the marriage process. This introduction to the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination Form captures the essence of its role in facilitating legal marriages, exemplifying a structured and law-abiding approach to one of society's fundamental institutions.

Minnesota Certificate Ordination Example

CERTIFICATE OF ORDINATION FILING

Note: This form must be accompanied by the original Ordination Certificate and faxed to 320-656-3932. Please call 320-656-3937 with any questions.

Minnesota Statute 517.04 Solemnization Persons Authorized to Perform Civil Marriages.

Civil marriages may be solemnized throughout the state by an individual who has attained the age of 21 years and is a judge of a court of record, a retired judge of a court of record, a court administrator, a retired court administrator with the approval of the chief judge of the judicial district, a former court commissioner who is employed by the court system or is acting pursuant to an order of the chief judge of the commissioner's judicial district, the residential school administrators of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, a licensed or ordained minister of any religious denomination, or by any mode recognized in section 517.18.

Minnesota Statute 517.05 Credentials of Minister.

Ministers of any religious denomination, before they are authorized to solemnize a civil marriage, shall file a copy

of their credentials of license or ordination or, if their religious denomination does not issue credentials, authority from the minister’s spiritual assembly, with the local registrar of a county in this state, who shall record the same

and give a certificate thereof. The place where the credentials are recorded shall be endorsed upon and recorded with each certificate of civil marriage granted by a minister.

Minister’s Name:

Address:

City, State Zip Code:

Phone (include area code):

FAX (include area code):

Email:

I do hereby acknowledge that I have read the above Minnesota State Statutes and confirm that I am qualified under MS517.04 to perform civil marriage and believe the attached document is in compliance with MS.517.05.

Check one:

My authority to perform civil marriages expires on ________________.

My authority to perform civil marriages has no expiration date.

____________________________________ Dated: ___________________

(Signature of Minister)

Minnesota Statute 517.14 Illegal Civil Marriage; False Certificate; Penalty.

A person authorized by law to solemnize civil marriages who knowingly solemnizes a civil marriage contrary to the provisions of this chapter, or knowing of any legal impediment to the proposed civil marriage, or who willfully makes a false certificate of any civil marriage or pretended civil marriage is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Minnesota Statute 517.15 Unauthorized Person Performing Ceremony.

A person who knowingly undertakes to solemnize a civil marriage, without lawful authority to do so, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Office use only below this line.)

==================================================================================

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF STEARNS

The documentation you have presented, which you state is in compliance with MS 517.05, has been filed in this office on ______ day of _______________, 20_____

Randy R. Schreifels, by: ____________________________________

Deputy Local Registrar

File Specifics

Fact Detail
Legal Age for Solemnization Individuals must be at least 21 years old to perform civil marriages.
Authorized Persons Judges, court administrators, certain state school administrators, and licensed or ordained ministers among others.
Governing Statutes Minnesota Statutes 517.04 and 517.05 primarily govern the solemnization and ministerial credentials process.
Credentials Filing Requirement Ministers must file their credentials with the local registrar of a county in Minnesota before solemnizing a marriage.
Endorsement Need The location where the credentials are recorded must be endorsed upon and recorded with each civil marriage certificate.
Penalties for Misconduct Performing illegal marriages or falsely certifying a marriage can result in a misdemeanor charge.
Contact Information Required Ministers must provide name, address, phone, fax, and email information on the Ordination Certificate Form.
Expiration of Authority Ministers can indicate whether their authority to perform civil marriages has an expiration date or not.

Guide to Using Minnesota Certificate Ordination

Filing the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination is an important step that allows ministers of any religious denomination to solemnize civil marriages within the state. This guide is designed to assist in completing the form correctly and ensure all required documents are accurately presented. Before sending off your documentation, it's crucial to gather your original Ordination Certificate and have access to a fax machine, as the form alongside your certificate needs to be faxed for filing. Detailed below are the steps to guide you through the process of filling out the form accurately.

  1. Start by reading the Minnesota State Statutes noted at the beginning of the form to confirm your eligibility and understand the obligations and legal requirements for solemnizing civil marriages in Minnesota.
  2. In the Minister’s Name section, write your full name clearly.
  3. Enter your complete address, including City, State, and Zip Code in the designated area.
  4. Provide your Phone number, including the area code. This is crucial for any follow-up that may be necessary.
  5. Fill in your FAX number, also including the area code. This is required for faxing the document.
  6. Add your Email address for electronic communication. Ensure this is an email you regularly check.
  7. Read the statement below the contact information thoroughly. By doing so, you acknowledge your understanding and compliance with the Minnesota State Statutes relevant to performing civil marriages.
  8. Indicate whether your authority to perform civil marriages expires or has no expiration date by checking the appropriate box and, if applicable, writing the expiration date in the space provided.
  9. Sign your name on the line provided to officially acknowledge the statements and confirm your compliance and qualifications. Be sure to sign as it appears on your official documents.
  10. Fax the completed form along with your original Ordination Certificate to 320-656-3932.
  11. Remember, if you have any questions or require clarifications, you can call 320-656-3937 for assistance.

Upon completing these steps, your documentation will be processed by the relevant authorities. It is essential to keep a copy of all submitted documents for your records. Correctly filing this form is a key step in ensuring that you are legally authorized to conduct civil marriage ceremonies within the state of Minnesota. Filing this form and complying with the statutes ensure that the sanctity and legality of the civil marriages you perform are maintained, respecting the laws of the state and the commitment between the individuals you are marrying.

Crucial Questions on This Form

If you're planning on officiating a wedding in Minnesota or are curious about the process behind becoming legally recognized to perform marriage ceremonies in this state, it's important to understand the specifics about the Certificate of Ordination Filing process. Here are some common questions and their answers to guide you.

  1. What do I need to file a Certificate of Ordination in Minnesota?

    To file a Certificate of Ordination in Minnesota, you are required to provide the original Ordination Certificate. This document must be faxed to 320-656-3932. If you have any questions during this process, you're encouraged to call 320-656-3937 for assistance.

  2. Who is authorized to perform civil marriages in Minnesota?

    As per Minnesota Statute 517.04, civil marriages can be solemnized by individuals such as judges or retired judges of a court of record, court administrators, retired court administrators with approval from the chief judge of their judicial district, former court commissioners acting upon an order, administrators from the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, and licensed or ordained ministers of any religious denomination. Also, individuals recognized in section 517.18 can perform marriages.

  3. What are the credential requirements for ministers wanting to officiate a marriage in Minnesota?

    Before officiating a marriage, ministers must file a copy of their license or ordination credentials with the local registrar of any county in Minnesota. If their religious denomination does not issue such credentials, then authority from the minister’s spiritual assembly is required. These documents are recorded by the local registrar, who then issues a certificate of this recording. The place where these credentials are recorded must also be noted on and recorded with each certificate of civil marriage granted by the minister.

  4. Is there an expiration date on my authority to perform civil marriages in Minnesota?

    When filing your Certificate of Ordination, you will be asked to indicate whether your authority to perform civil marriages expires or if it has no expiration date. This must be based on the terms specified by your ordination or religious assembly's guidelines.

  5. What are the penalties for performing a civil marriage unlawfully in Minnesota?

    In Minnesota, if someone authorized to solemnize civil marriages does so knowing they are not complying with the law, or if they are aware of any legal impediment to the marriage, or if they willfully make a false certificate of any civil or pretended civil marriage, they are guilty of committing a misdemeanor. Similarly, any person who undertakes to solemnize a civil marriage without lawful authority is also committing a misdemeanor according to Statutes 517.14 and 517.15.

  6. Where will my documentation be filed?

    Your documentation, once submitted and in compliance with MS 517.05, will be filed at the office of the County of Stearns, or specifically, within the jurisdiction where you submit the documentation. Randy R. Schreifels, or another Deputy Local Registrar, will complete the filing on the date your documentation is processed.

Understanding these guidelines ensures that all legal requirements are met for officiating weddings in Minnesota, making such moments not only memorable but also legally recognized.

Common mistakes

Filling out official forms requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to something as critical as the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form. Despite the best intentions, people often stumble over several common mistakes during this process. Recognizing and avoiding these errors can streamline the process, ensuring compliance with Minnesota statutes related to solemnizing marriages. Below are some of the most frequent missteps:

  1. Not including the original Ordination Certificate when faxing the form. This document is vital for verifying the minister's credentials.

  2. Overlooking the need to call the provided contact number with questions, which could lead to incorrectly filled forms due to unresolved queries.

  3. Forgetting to verify that the person’s authority to perform civil marriages aligns with Minnesota Statute 517.04, including ensuring the individual is of the required age and falls within the specified categories of authorized persons.

  4. Failing to properly record the credentials with a local registrar in Minnesota, as mandated by Minnesota Statute 517.05, which is necessary before one is authorized to solemnize a civil marriage.

  5. Omitting key personal information such as the minister's name, address, contact phone number, and email, which are crucial for identification and communication purposes.

  6. Selecting the wrong option or leaving blank the section indicating the expiration of authority to perform civil marriages, which can lead to legal ambiguities.

  7. Errors in signing or dating the form, or both, which are essential for validating the document’s authenticity and timeliness.

  8. Not adequately reviewing the attached document for compliance with Minnesota Statute 517.05, raising questions about the accuracy of the information provided.

  9. Ignoring the legal ramifications of falsely solemnizing a marriage, including making a false certificate as outlined in Minnesota Statute 517.14 and Minnesota Statute 517.15, which is a misdemeanor offense.

To navigate the process smoothly, here’s a quick checklist to avoid the aforementioned mistakes:

  • Double-check that the original Ordination Certificate is included with the fax.
  • Utilize the contact number provided for any clarifications needed before submission.
  • Review the Minnesota Statutes carefully to ensure all legal requirements are met.
  • Complete all required personal information on the form thoroughly and accurately.
  • Be clear about the duration of authority to conduct marriages, making a proper selection.
  • Ensure the form is correctly signed and dated.
  • Reexamine the attached document for compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Understand the legal consequences of improper solemnization or documentation.

By steering clear of these common pitfalls, applicants ensure their documentation is in order, facilitating a smoother validation process for ordination and authority to solemnize marriages in Minnesota.

Documents used along the form

The Minnesota Certificate of Ordination Form serves as a fundamental document for individuals aiming to solemnize civil marriages under the purview of Minnesota law. Its usage, albeit crucial, often goes hand-in-hand with several other forms and documents that ensure the solemnization process adheres to legal standards and allows the solemnizing minister to perform their duties effectively and lawfully. Here, we will explore five additional forms and documents commonly used alongside the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination Form.

  • Marriage License Application: This form is required from the couple planning to marry. It requests personal information and confirms both parties' legal eligibility to enter into marriage. The completed application is submitted to a county registrar.
  • Credential of License or Ordination: This is the actual document verifying the minister's ordination or licensing by their religious denomination, which must be filed along with the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination Form. It serves as proof that the minister is recognized and authorized by their religious body to conduct marriages.
  • Officiant’s Return or Marriage Record: After the marriage ceremony, the officiant is responsible for completing this form, which records the details of the marriage, such as date, location, and parties involved. This document is then filed with the county's local registrar to legally record the marriage.
  • Certificate of Filing: Issued by the county recorder or registrar, this certificate indicates that the officiant’s credentials and authority to solemnize marriages have been officially filed and recorded in accordance with Minnesota Statute 517.05. It is a document affirming the officiant's legal standing to perform marriages within the state.
  • Statement of Pre-Marriage Education Completion: If applicable, this document is submitted by the couple seeking to marry, confirming they have completed pre-marriage counseling. Certain counties provide a reduced fee for the marriage license application if this statement is presented, encouraging couples to undertake educational sessions before marrying.

In conclusion, the tasks involved in preparing for and solemnizing a marriage legally, particularly in Minnesota, extend beyond merely possessing a Certificate of Ordination. The supportive documents highlighted not only facilitate the lawful and formal recognition of the marriage but also ensure all parties— the couple and the officiant— adhere to the state's statutory requirements. Understanding and assembling these documents are foundational steps in conducting a marriage ceremony that is both memorable and compliant with the law.

Similar forms

The Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form shares similarities with a Marriage License Application. Both documents play critical roles in the process of legalizing a marriage. While the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination ensures that the individual performing the marriage ceremony is duly authorized and recognized by the state, the Marriage License Application is required for the couple intending to marry, proving they meet the state’s legal requirements for marriage. Each form gathers essential information and requires official submission, making both foundational to the legality of the marriage process.

A Professional License Application serves a similar purpose to the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination, albeit in a broader professional context. Professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and teachers must prove their qualifications to practice their profession just as ministers must demonstrate their authority to solemnize marriages. Both involve submitting proof of qualifications and obtaining official certification or acknowledgment from a governing body. This ensures that individuals are appropriately vetted and recognized by the state as being competent in their field or duty.

The Notary Public Commission Application is another document that mirrors the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination in certain aspects. Notaries public and ordained ministers both hold positions that allow them to perform specific legal acts—ministers in solemnizing marriages and notaries in witnessing signatures on documents, among other duties. Applicants for both roles must submit relevant documents to a state authority to be granted the authorization to perform their duties, adhering to state laws and regulations.

The Business License Application shares a similarity with the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination by requiring entities to register with state authorities before commencing certain activities. For businesses, this registration allows them to legally operate within the state. Similarly, for a minister, filing the Certificate of Ordination allows them to legally solemnize marriages. Both applications ensure that the applicants are recognized legally and are permitted to conduct their activities under the law.

Lastly, the Driver’s License Application parallels the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination in the sense that both necessitate the applicant to prove their eligibility for the license or certificate they are applying for. Just as a driver must meet age, health, and competency requirements, a minister must meet criteria outlined by the state to solemnize marriages, including being of a certain age and in some cases, providing proof of ordination. In both instances, successful submission and approval grant the applicant a form of legal authority—either to drive or to officiate marriages.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form, there are essential guidelines to keep in mind to ensure the process is carried out correctly and lawfully. Adhering to these dos and don'ts will help avoid common mistakes and ensure that your ordination and authority to solemnize marriages are recognized under Minnesota law.

Do:

  1. Ensure you include the original Ordination Certificate when you fax the form, as this is a crucial requirement for the filing process.
  2. Double-check the fax number (320-656-3932) before sending to ensure your documents are received by the correct office.
  3. Contact the provided phone number (320-656-3937) if you have any questions or require clarification on the filing process.
  4. Thoroughly read and understand Minnesota Statutes 517.04 and 517.05 to confirm your eligibility to perform civil marriages in the state.
  5. Accurately record your name, address, phone number, and email as these details are essential for official records and correspondence.
  6. Indicate clearly whether your authority to perform civil marriages has an expiration date or is indefinite, by checking the appropriate box.

Don't:

  • Forget to check one of the boxes regarding the expiration of your authority to perform civil marriages. This information is vital for the registrar’s records.
  • Omit any personal contact information or fill in incorrect details, as this could delay the filing process or result in failed communication attempts from the registrar's office.
  • Attempt to solemnize a marriage without first ensuring that you are fully compliant with Minnesota Statutes 517.04 and 517.05. Performing a marriage ceremony without proper authorization is a misdemeanor offense under Minnesota law.

By following these guidelines, individuals can navigate the process of filing a Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form more efficiently, ensuring they meet all legal requirements to solemnize marriages in the state of Minnesota.

Misconceptions

When it comes to the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form and its associated statutes, several misconceptions commonly arise. These misunderstandings can lead to confusion about who is eligible to perform marriages in Minnesota and under what conditions. Here are five of the most common misconceptions and their clarifications:

  • All religious officials can automatically perform marriages. In Minnesota, before officiating a marriage, ministers of any religious denomination must file their credentials with the local registrar of any county in the state. Simply being a religious official does not grant the automatic authority to solemnize marriages.
  • Filing the Certificate of Ordination is a one-time requirement. While it's true that ministers need to file their credentials to perform marriages, this misconception overlooks that some religious denominations or spiritual assemblies might issue ordinations or authorities that have expiration dates. Ministers should be mindful of their ordination's status and ensure it's current.
  • Any form of ordination is acceptable. The State of Minnesota requires that a minister's ordination or authorization be from their religious denomination or spiritual assembly. This ordinance or authorization must comply with Minnesota Statutes. Not every form of "online ordination" may meet these requirements, so it's crucial to verify the legitimacy and acceptance of such credentials.
  • Only ministers of religious denominations can perform marriages. Minnesota's laws are inclusive of various individuals who can solemnize marriages, including judges, court administrators, and even certain school administrators, among others. This broadens the scope beyond solely religious ministers, allowing for a variety of civil marriage solemnization.
  • Filing credentials is a complex process. The procedure to file ministerial credentials in Minnesota is relatively straightforward. Ministers must send a copy of their credentials, along with the completed Certificate of Ordination Filing, to the designated fax number or address. The local registrar then records this information. Despite this simplicity, it's crucial to ensure all information is correctly provided to avoid delays.

Understanding these key points can help clarify the process and requirements for those wishing to perform marriage ceremonies in Minnesota. As always, when in doubt, reaching out directly to the provided contact numbers for questions can provide clarity and further assistance.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form involves understanding several key points to ensure that it is completed correctly and that the individual is authorized to perform civil marriages in Minnesota. Here are some of the key takeaways:

  • The original Ordination Certificate must accompany the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form when it is submitted.
  • The form and the accompanying documentation should be faxed to 320-656-3932.
  • If there are any questions during the process, it’s advised to call 320-656-3937 for assistance.
  • Minnesota Statute 517.04 outlines who is authorized to solemnize civil marriages in the state, including licensed or ordained ministers of any religious denomination.
  • Before a minister is authorized to solemnize a civil marriage, they must file a copy of their credentials of license or ordination with the local registrar of a county in Minnesota.
  • If a religious denomination does not issue credentials, authority from the minister’s spiritual assembly must be filed instead.
  • Once filed, the local registrar records the minister's credentials and issues a certificate, which must be endorsed upon and recorded with each certificate of civil marriage granted by the minister.
  • The form requires the minister to acknowledge having read the relevant Minnesota State Statutes and confirm their eligibility to perform civil marriages under these statutes.
  • Ministers must indicate on the form whether their authority to perform civil marriages has an expiration date or does not expire.
  • Solemnizing a marriage without proper authorization or providing false certificates are considered misdemeanors under Minnesota Statutes 517.14 and 517.15.
  • After submission, documentation is filed with the office of the Deputy Local Registrar in Stearns County, as indicated in the form’s footer.

This process highlights the legal obligations and steps a minister must take to be authorized to legally solemnize civil marriages in Minnesota. Ensuring all information is accurate and procedures are properly followed is crucial for the validity of the minister’s authority to perform marriages.

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