3 Answers

In addressing an envelope to a priest you would write The Reverend Father William Walters, or The Reverend William Walters. Don’t forget the The. If you want to be more polite you could use His Reverence.

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12 years ago. Rating: 0
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If by "priest" you mean Catholic, ninnet's answer is correct and she has given you a link to follow too.

From the time you posted this question I wonder if you are in the UK. You could of course still be Catholic. If not, the Anglican church is different.

If you have identified the church, as it seems if you are writing a letter, the incumbent will not be a priest.

He, or she, could be a vicar or a rector. In either case the correct form of address is The Right Reverend John Doe or The Very Reverend John Doe... neither will give offence, but using Father would, to an Anglican.

Remember the Anglican Church does ordain women so if you don't know the name it would be as well to find out. It will be displayed somewhere... on a sign outside or in the porch are the most likely places.

I expect, since you have taken the trouble to ask this question, you know exactly what you are doing and why... you simply wanted to be sure you are right about one thing.

If that is not the case and you need help, no-one, Anglican or Catholic, will refuse it because you make a mistake. They will appreciate it if you want to ask when it is convenient for you to call, but they wouldn't turn you away from the doorstep either.

12 years ago. Rating: 0
Comment this answer Add new comment

If by "priest" you mean Catholic, ninnet's answer is correct and she has given you a link to follow too.

From the time you posted this question I wonder if you are in the UK. You could of course still be Catholic. If not, the Anglican church is different.

If you have identified the church, as it seems if you are writing a letter, the incumbent will not be a priest.

He, or she, could be a vicar or a rector. In either case the correct form of address is The Right Reverend John Doe or The Very Reverend John Doe... neither will give offence, but using Father would, to an Anglican.

Remember the Anglican Church does ordain women so if you don't know the name it would be as well to find out. It will be displayed somewhere... on a sign outside or in the porch are the most likely places.

I expect, since you have taken the trouble to ask this question, you know exactly what you are doing and why... you simply wanted to be sure you are right about one thing.

If that is not the case and you need help, no-one, Anglican or Catholic, will refuse it because you make a mistake. They will appreciate it if you want to ask when it is convenient for you to call, but they wouldn't turn you away from the doorstep either.

12 years ago. Rating: 0
Comment this answer Add new comment