Why Accreditation Matters
Those who accompany others on their spiritual journey carry a profound responsibility. They are entrusted with the sacred terrain of another person’s soul—their deepest longings, vulnerabilities, and encounters with God. This is holy ground, and it demands the highest standards of competence, integrity, and accountability.
Yet in an age when anyone can claim to offer spiritual guidance, how can the Church and those seeking accompaniment distinguish well-formed practitioners from those who may cause harm, however well-intentioned? How can spirituality practitioners themselves demonstrate their commitment to excellence and ongoing growth?
Accreditation provides the answer.
Professional accreditation ensures that those offering spiritual accompaniment and ministry accompaniment have received thorough formation, demonstrate competence in their practice, adhere to a robust code of ethics, and commit to ongoing supervision and development. It protects those receiving ministry, supports practitioners in their vocation, and upholds the credibility of these vital ministries within the Church and beyond.
Why CSN?
The Carmelite Spirituality Network is uniquely positioned to accredit spirituality practitioners in the Christian contemplative tradition.
Rooted in a Trusted Tradition CSN draws on over 800 years of Carmelite wisdom—a tradition that has formed some of the Church’s greatest spiritual guides, including Saints Teresa of Ávila, John of the Cross, and Thérèse of Lisieux. This is not innovation for its own sake, but a tested and trusted heritage of accompanying souls toward deeper union with God. When CSN accredits a practitioner, it carries the weight of this rich spiritual lineage.
Born from Proven Formation CSN emerges from the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality (CACS), which has formed many men and women in the art of spiritual accompaniment over many years. Our accreditation standards reflect the depth and rigour of this formation experience. We know what excellence looks like because we have been cultivating it.
Independent and Self-Regulating CSN accreditation is overseen by an independent Accreditation Board comprising experienced practitioners, theologians, and leaders in the field of spirituality. This independent oversight ensures that standards are maintained with integrity, free from conflicts of interest, and responsive to the evolving needs of ministry in the contemporary Church.
Committed to Both Competence and Holiness We believe that effective ministry requires both professional competence and personal holiness. CSN accreditation affirms not only that a practitioner has the necessary skills and knowledge, but that they are committed to their own ongoing spiritual formation, peer supervision, and accountability within a supportive community.
Purpose of CSN Accreditation
CSN accredits Christian ministers in two distinct areas of soul care ministry:
Spiritual Accompaniment For those called to the ministry of spiritual direction—guiding individuals in their relationship with God through prayerful listening, discernment, and contemplative presence.
Ministry Accompaniment For those called to support others in ministry—offering reflective space, accountability, and formation for those engaged in pastoral and spiritual care.
Accredited practitioners are endorsed by CSN and featured in our online Directory, connecting them with those seeking qualified accompaniment worldwide. Accreditation signifies that a practitioner has met rigorous criteria for formation, experience, and ongoing commitment to excellence, and that they are held accountable within a community of peers.
How Accreditation works
Accreditation is specific to either Spiritual Accompaniment or Ministry Accompaniment—separate criteria apply for each pathway, recognising the distinct competencies required for these ministries.
Each accreditation stream is governed by an independent, self-regulating body that:
- Sets and maintains standards aligned with best practice in the field
- Reviews applications with care and discernment
- Provides feedback and support to applicants
- Upholds accountability through ongoing requirements for supervision and formation
This independent structure ensures that CSN accreditation remains credible, rigorous, and trustworthy—a genuine mark of excellence rather than a mere credential.
The Benefits of Accreditation
For Practitioners:
- Recognition of your formation, competence, and commitment to excellence
- Listing in the CSN Directory with global visibility
- Membership in a supportive community of like-minded practitioners
- Access to ongoing formation, resources, and Enriching Ministry Days
- Connection to the rich heritage of the Carmelite contemplative tradition
For Those Seeking Accompaniment:
- Confidence that your spiritual director or ministry companion has been thoroughly vetted
- Assurance of ethical practice and accountability
- Access to qualified practitioners through our searchable Directory
For the Church:
- Raised standards across soul care ministries
- Greater trust and credibility in spiritual accompaniment
- A network of well-formed practitioners serving Christ and his Church
To find out about the CSN Accreditation benefits and criteria, CLICK on the following categories:
CSN Spiritual Accompaniment Accreditation
For spirituality practitioners who accompany others, individuals or groups, in spiritual direction, retreat or reflection sessions
CSN Ministry Companion Accreditation
For spirituality practitioners who accompany others, individuals or groups, in spiritual direction, retreat or reflection sessions