How do we address non-Catholic Christian clergy (title-wise)?

[JonNC]

And seeing him with his shirt off REALLY give me the willies.

Please, Father, put your shirt and collar on!!!

Jon

 

[OLofMtCarmel]

Sir or Ma’am can’t really be construed as disrespectful. I’ve seen Protestants address priests with “sir” before and the priest didn’t think it was a big deal. However a line has to be drawn somewhere; I could possibly be okay with addressing female clergy as “pastor” but I can never for the life me be okay with addressing Episcopal priestesses as “Mother”, thats just too weird.

Don’t you think that calling a female clergy as “Pastor” would be equivalent to calling a woman who believes she’s a man “Mister”? I would have to call her “Miss, Mrs. Ms.” But hopefully she has a doctorate and I could then call her “Doctor”.

 

[Reuben_J]

While not being terms of disrespect, I can see where their use might be interpreted as being a deliberate expression of limited respect if used instead of someone’s religious title.

I can understand what you’re trying to say. Discreet would be a better word but there is a line in compromising one’s belief and for the sake of being polite and correct. So it is depending very much on the person’ stance but I agree that we should not be rude or disrespectful. The question would be, how can we be not disrespectful and yet not betray our own principle? Probably that would depend on a person’s integrity, wit and skill in dealing with the situation when it happens. I guess when we are honest and sincere, we cannot be wrong too. On the other hand, fortunately not many Protestant clergies would demand to be called ‘father’ or ‘mother’, the terms that I am uncomfortable with, by others of different faith.

God bless.

 

[Tyuiop411]

Don’t you think that calling a female clergy as “Pastor” would be equivalent to calling a woman who believes she’s a man “Mister”? I would have to call her “Miss, Mrs. Ms.” But hopefully she has a doctorate and I could then call her “Doctor”.

Preferably she would have a doctorate so I could address her as Doctor like you said. But I guess in my mind the kind of female protestant clergy that are called pastor are Pentecostal, and most of the time they prefer Mrs. or Ms. from what I’ve observed.

But still you can’t go wrong with Sir. or Ma’am (or Madam if you prefer). I used Ma’am when I met a female Pentecostal “pastor” and she was fine with it, but she does go by Mrs.

Thankfully, the one Lutheran clergyman I met went by pastor (though I understand that some go by Father).

 

[JoanneSmith]

Honestly, I’ve always just said Mister just because it seemed normal and respectable. I didn’t know people were offended by it.

ETA I hope if someone’s title is really important to them, then they would inform of how they wish to be addressed.

 

[Ohana]

this has been informative as I look back through the thread. I have always called Protestant ministers Reverend, but I see that may not be so correct. Yet, it seems a good fall back position when you just don’t know. They are due the respect of a title. These are men and women who have answered a call from God and have spent a time of preparation to do His work.

On the other hand, I have no problem with calling clergy by their first names if that is what they prefer - among other things, we are in an age of informality which does not mean lack of respect. I once had a Bishop who preferred the use of his first name. “Bishop Bob” made this clear on his first visit to our parish after being installed. He turned out to be a great Bishop!

OK, a question. Is it correct to call a Jewish Rabbi, Rabbi? Or is there another title one should use?

 

[OLofMtCarmel]

Well, frankly, if I know the preacher I simply call them by their first name because that’s the custom in some groups…

 

[OLofMtCarmel]

this has been informative as I look back through the thread. I have always called Protestant ministers Reverend, but I see that may not be so correct. Yet, it seems a good fall back position when you just don’t know**. They are due the respect of a title.** These are men and women who have answered a call from God and have spent a time of preparation to do His work.

On the other hand, I have no problem with calling clergy by their first names if that is what they prefer - among other things, we are in an age of informality which does not mean lack of respect. I once had a Bishop who preferred the use of his first name. “Bishop Bob” made this clear on his first visit to our parish after being installed. He turned out to be a great Bishop!

OK, a question. Is it correct to call a Jewish Rabbi, Rabbi? Or is there another title one should use?

The problem with this thinking is that it’s not correct. Some denominations, that don’t believe in denominations, would be insulted or irritated it you called them Reverend, Bishop. Preacher works, Just call them by their first name or Mr. or Mrs./Ms./Miss. otherwise. It all depends on the denomination. You won’t see me calling them anything other than what i just said because that was my custom before Catholicism. They can get over themselves in my opinion and just tell me what they prefer. I can’t get myself to call them anything other than this though unless they have a doctorate. We always called them brother. Never really knew any female preachers other than one, who would never hear pastor, reverend or else from me other than Mrs. They’re not validly ordained and therefore deserve the title of any lay minister in the Church.

 

[GaryTaylor]

brother

 

[Ohana]

brother

I like it, but what about Jewish clergy? I cannot see calling a Rabbi, Brother. Just does not sound right to me. Since I am pretty old, is it ok if I call them Brother Honey?

 

[Sky_Pilot]

Habit is a hard thing to break.
If I am in uniform it’s automatic.
Whatever their denomination I address them “Padre.”
When I call them “Padre,” I am not calling them “Father,” and yes I know that is the translation of the word: I am using what I understood to be a generic form of address for the clergy of all kinds.
If I am not in uniform, I am still a creature of habit.
It’s “Parson,” and yes that is archaic and obsolete, but then so am I.