Do Episcopalians/Anglicans call their ministers "Father" as well?

Question

I thought this was specific to Catholics, but I'm told it's not the case.

Answer 1

Well, first we call them "priests," not "ministers." When I was a boy, it was expected that a priest would be called "Father," but things have become much less formal in many places since then. I tend to think that the advent of the ordination of women had something to do with it, since use of the term "Mother" never really caught on. Use of "Father" is not inappropriate, but most priests I know prefer to be called just by their name in conversation, though in formal address one would still write "The Rev. John Smith," and "Dear Fr. Smith."



On the other hand, I would personally never think of calling a Bishop by his or her first name. It would always be "Your Grace." :)

Answer 2

Actually, It varies. Usually the more formal churches are more strict about using old Catholic-like titles like "Father" and even "Mother."



But some really don't care if they are informal. At my old church, we were pretty laid back. I actually called my minister "Marsha." (Her first name.) Mind you, it was a 50 person church and everyone was basically friends.



In the Episcopal Church anyway, there are a billion names you could call a pastor. Vicar, Priest, Minister, Cleric, and "Priest-in-charge." I usually called my 1st pastor a "minister."



While Priest tends to be most associated in the Catholic Church, it's also commonly used in the Orthodox Churches. (Greek, Russian, ect.)



Anglicans/Episcopalians are probably the only Protestants that will ever accept it. I'm not aware of another Protestant denominational that uses it.

Answer 3

It's been over 40 yrs since i was Episcopalian but as i recall we addressed the Priest as Father and some times Vicar. Can't imagine how you would address a lesbian Female Bishop so maybe some one can address this also...

Answer 4

For those who don't know.. the reason he put a / separating them is because Episcopalians and Anglicans are the same branch of Christianity. Episcopalian in the US, Anglican in the UK.

They are merely different branches of the Church of England or Anglican faith.



and the answer is YES.. they do call them Father. I think it is less common for them..but they do as an honorary title, call them that. They also sometimes just call them "Vicar" as well.

Answer 5

Before I became Catholic, I went to an Episcopal Church for a short time. We called the priest "father."

Answer 6

Well, it differs from parish to parish. I would assume the more Anglo-Catholic a church is, the pastor would be a "Father". For the most part in my Anglican/Episcopal experience, I have called clergy "Reverend", "Bishop", "Rector", or "Pastor". It depends on the church and the minister.



Peace to you!

Answer 7

No, it's not the case. It very much depends on how the priest wishes to be addressed.

I've known Episcopal priests who have preferred "Father", "Pastor" "Parson", or in the case of some women priests, "Mother".



It is a very individual matter.

Answer 8

I knew an Episcopalian father. I called him father O"Halloran.

Answer 9

Some that I know do. I know a female Episcopal priest. I call her "fatherette."

Answer 10

I attended the Church of England, when I lived there, and we just called the minister "Vicar."

Answer 11

What about their first Lesbian Bishop?

Answer 12

I believe that it is customary.

Answer 13

Hey Kevin:



I know Anglicans do. I dunno about Episcopalians.



edit: Donna knows! Now I do too. ;)