The Association of Ordinands and Candidates for Ministry (AOCM - pronounced "ay-occ-um") was founded in 1968 by ordinand members of the Student Christian Movement. Today, AOCM represents all those sponsored by an Anglican Bishop for ordained ministry in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
AOCM is made up of students elected by their college, course or OLM scheme to represent them to AOCM. Every training institution is eligible to send one Rep to AOCM meetings. At the moment, we have active representatives in 20 of the 23 British colleges and courses, and in 8 of the 16 OLM schemes. If you think your course may not have an AOCM Rep, please contact the Chairman. [link my e-mail]
How does AOCM achieve its aims?
to represent the views and concerns of ordinands to central church bodies
The Chairman represents AOCM on the Theological Education and Training Committee of the Archbishops’ Council, as well as privately to the Ministry Division. Occasionally, the Chairman is invited to represent AOCM for specific consultations, eg, recently the Hind Report Working Party on Training Pathways.
to inform ordinands about changes in churches’ policies affecting ordinands
AOCM produces an annual handbook, “Together in Training” [link to handbook online here], which contains themed articles from well-known authors as well as a collection of financial and practical information.
In addition, information is communicated through the regular meetings with Reps.
to promote fellowship and understanding between ordinands
AOCM has termly National Conferences, to which all Reps are invited. In addition, twice a year there are Regional Gatherings in the North, East and West, which provide more informal opportunities for fellowship and discussion.