Clergy Etiquette

Notes From The Clergy Etiquette Book

Address Bishops verbally as \"Bishop Last Name\". It is optional to add his last name. If you say the Bishop's last name, do so only once. After that, simply address him as \"Bishop\". Address letters to \"The Most Reverend Full Name, D.D.\", then add any other doctoral degrees, if he has any. In conversation, a bishop may be addressed \"Bishop\" without name. It is preferable to use no name than to call the Bishop by his first name. Simply address him as \"Bishop\". In some cases, the most formal way to address a Bishop is \"My Lord\". The equivalent for Archbishops is \"Your Grace\". However, many senior clergy find this form of address embarrassing, and are extremely unlikely to insist upon it.

Clergymen may not address anyone in an informal manner at any time except in private conversation and only if the persons involved are in an informal relationship. A clergyman must always address people with their proper title: Mr., Mrs., Dr., Reverend, Father, Monsignor, Bishop, etc. Clergymen may address young persons by their first name. In a formal setting, as in making wedding or baptism or funeral arrangements, the clergyman must address people in a formal manner.

A general rule is always to be formal. Familiarity is not proper with any clergyman unless you are a relative, and then, only in private. Informality is never proper in public or with anyone unless you are a relative or a close friend, and you are in private circumstances. If you are with your close friend who is a Bishop and you are in public, you must address him as \"Bishop\". The same model is used for persons with other professional titles, like \"Doctor\" or honorary titles like \"Monsignor\". Referring to your close friend who is a Bishop as \"John\" or \"Marty\" in public circumstances is improper, and it will embarrass you.

uhmmm.. etiquette, well lets just get a little humor here....

I had enough problems getting use to the Mrs. after getting married and got worse when my daughter was growing up with hearing Mrs. from her friends and the teachers.... Made me feel real old....LOL

Then it got worse becoming a grandma....LOL

Then getting use to Reverend..... Now Bishop.... Whew.... but, to the serious side of things, respect is something that goes along with Etiquette and in the everyday world, we don't always see it used.... It's nice to see a balance of it here. And, it doesn't take a lot of effort to apply it in the Temple here or the outside world. As well as the reward, it's returned in kind!!

Great post Br. John!!

I think this is great, i believe that we all should listen and take heed to this. yes we are not looking for power trips but as a church this is just the way of things, if you have earned the rank of bishop than congratulations are in order. any rank i congratulate you all. i hope this helps us all with this now out in the open. i think to make things easy, next to you're user name on the post you should have you're positions, so new comers will know what to call you. thats just a thought though. have a great night everyone MTFBWYA

Ahhhh Etiquette, The fundemental building block of civility. While It is important to remain Humble, we should always congratulate and lift up our Brother's and Sister in Their acomplishements. One of the main ways we can do this is by showing them due respect as they progress and achieve on thier Path, as Bishop Thomas (Dan) pointed out. This use of etiquette shows not only respect but also Love, which is central to a Jedi's life.

Due to my intensive involvement with the Roman Catholic Church this form of address is not unfamiliar to me. I also have to agree with you all on this. This is not only a sign of respect for their achievement but also for the responsability which it carries. That is why I also stand corrected in my address of members in the Forum. I have addressed members with their first names, which I have to add was not done out of disrespect. Quite the contrary.

I ditto Rev. Finch's words. I, too, have called people by their first names casually without even thinking about it. As a recent member of the armed forces, I am use to using a rank then last name when in general public with peers and higher ranking individuals. Good call.

ok just so you guys don't feel bad, if Serric comes in then say hello rev. Serric or brother Serric. if you don't know their last name than there is no disrespect. just a little food for thought. MTFBWYA

Thanks Rev.Jeff Justice, solidarity helps! I don`t want to make a big thing out of it, but this issue of titles has also helped me to reflect and rethink (in a positive way) my thoughts and attitude to TOTJO and to myself included. This is definitely not an isolated issue, but it shows how everything hangs together.

what i have found is that i am very uncomfortable being addressed as \"Rev.\" or \"Minister\", not so much for the connotations associated with them, but it just feels very different lol. in fact the first and only marriage liscence i signed, i completely forgot to add the Minister or Reverand part and just signed my name.....that won't have any effect on its legality will it???

it shouldn't but if there is a problem all they have to do is ask you about it and you show proof again thats all. MTFBWY