Endorsement of Hindu Credentials for Chaplaincy
HSCI serves as the endorsing body for Hindu chaplains seeking board certification, VA appointment, hospital privileges, or other credentials that require recognition from a faith/spiritual tradition endorser.
Advisors and Champions of HSCI
Scholars, physicians, and interfaith leaders who have championed HSCI's work in Hindu chaplaincy and spiritual care.
Prof Rita D Sherma, PhD
Graduate Theological Union
Pioneering Hindu academic studies
Bruce D Feldstein, MD
Stanford Health Care
Chaplaincy educator, physician
Kamal Abu-Shamsieh, PhD
Muslim Chaplaincy Educator
Interfaith speaker, HSCI
Naras Bhat, MD
Integrative Medicine
Physician, HSCI advocate
What endorsement means
Board certification through the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI) — the professional standard for hospital, hospice, prison, and military chaplaincy in the United States — requires a letter of endorsement from a recognized faith or spiritual tradition. The endorser vouches that the candidate is spiritually grounded, ethically accountable, and authorized to represent their tradition in professional chaplaincy settings.
For Christian, Jewish, and Muslim chaplains, endorsement typically comes from a denominational body or seminary. Hindu candidates have historically had no comparable endorser in the United States — a gap HSCI is stepping in to fill.
BCCI recognition status
HSCI's application for formal recognition as a BCCI-listed endorser is under review. In the interim, HSCI issues endorsement letters that meet BCCI's substantive criteria and can be accepted on a case-by-case basis by BCCI, the VA, and other credentialing bodies. We will update this page immediately upon BCCI's formal recognition.
Who can apply
HSCI CHT graduates
Alumni of the Counselor of Hindu Tradition (CHT) program in good standing are eligible to apply for endorsement upon completing the program and any required CPE units.
Non-alumni Hindu chaplains
Chaplains trained in other programs — including traditional gurukula, seminary, or interfaith chaplaincy tracks — may apply on a case-by-case basis. The HSCI Board reviews academic, spiritual, and clinical preparation against CHT-equivalent standards.
Standards of endorsement
To be endorsed by HSCI, a candidate must demonstrate:
- Faith and community standing — sincere commitment to Sanātana Dharma and active connection to a Hindu community, sampradāya, or spiritual lineage
- Educational preparation — the HSCI CHT certificate or equivalent training in Hindu theology, pastoral care, counseling, ethics, and interfaith engagement
- Clinical experience — supervised spiritual care in hospitals, hospice, congregational, or community settings, with Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units where required by the target credential
- Professional ethics — familiarity with confidentiality, cultural humility, boundaries, and the professional chaplaincy code of ethics
- Vocational maturity — the discernment, presence, and self-awareness expected of a professional chaplain serving people of all backgrounds
What HSCI commits to
An HSCI endorsement is not a one-time letter — it is an ongoing relationship. When we endorse a chaplain, we commit to:
- Continued endorsement for as long as the chaplain holds active certification and remains in good standing
- Ongoing mentoring and consultation through faculty and peer chaplains
- Continuing education via HSCI seminars, workshops, and the Kutumba journal
- Professional community — a network of endorsed peers for collegial support and case consultation
- Access to resources — the Hindu Chaplaincy Resource Center, subject matter experts, and the Hindu Chaplaincy Guide
- Advocacy — representation of Hindu chaplaincy interests within BCCI and other professional bodies
The application process
Ongoing endorsement
Endorsement is maintained for as long as the chaplain remains in good standing. HSCI asks endorsed chaplains to:
- Complete a brief annual reaffirmation confirming continued active practice and adherence to the professional code of ethics
- Participate in HSCI continuing education (minimum 8 hours per year, easily met through Kutumba engagement, HSCI workshops, or approved external programs)
- Notify HSCI of any changes to certification status, employment, or disciplinary matters
- Contribute back to the community as time permits — mentoring newer chaplains, guest teaching, or serving on committees
Endorsement may be suspended or withdrawn for ethical violations, loss of certification, or extended inactivity. Withdrawal follows a fair-hearing process and is reported to BCCI as required.
Frequently asked
Is there a fee?
Fees for initial endorsement and annual reaffirmation are being finalized as part of BCCI recognition and will be published here before the first cohort is charged. HSCI's intent is to keep fees at a level that covers administrative costs without becoming a barrier to entry.
Do I need to be a US citizen or resident?
No. HSCI endorses chaplains globally. BCCI itself has specific eligibility requirements for board certification; HSCI's endorsement is one component of that broader application.
I trained at a traditional gurukula, not a Western-style program. Am I eligible?
Yes — this is exactly the case the equivalency review is designed for. Traditional Hindu training in śāstra, sampradāya practice, and community ministry is a strong foundation. The review looks at how your preparation maps to CHT-equivalent competencies, and may recommend targeted supplementation (typically in Western pastoral care conventions or CPE) rather than starting over.
What if my BCC lapses or is revoked?
HSCI endorsement is tied to active professional practice, not to any single certification. A lapse in BCC does not automatically end endorsement. Revocation for cause triggers a review; HSCI cooperates fully with BCCI's disciplinary process.
Can HSCI endorse for VA chaplaincy, not just BCCI?
Yes. The VA maintains its own endorser directory with its own recognition process. HSCI is pursuing VA recognition in parallel with BCCI. If you have a specific VA opportunity, contact us — we can issue a letter for immediate use and work with the VA on formal listing.
Ready to begin?
Email us with a short note about your background and the credential you're pursuing. We'll respond within one business week with next steps.
admissions@hinduci.org