Query about address

Mark Odegard markodegard at HOTMAIL.COM
Thu Apr 5 17:45:58 UTC 2001


>As the daughter of the Reverend Jeanette McGlinchey Burton and the Reverend
>Richard Burton I can verify that the form of
>address is a "hot potato" among the clergy. The denominal pastors disagree
>on whether or not to consider Rev. Smith a valid
>form, though my mother always said she was only Reverend Mrs. Jeanette
>McGlinchey when addressing an envelope! The
>non-denominational pastors have opted for "Pastor Smith" or "Pastor
>Valerie" to get past this issue.
>
>Sharyn Hay  storknurse

My mother is 'Rev. Laura' (and yes, they often realize 'rev' exactly as it's
spelled). My parents are the Reverends Odegard. I've seen mention of
(Reform) Jewish clergy-couples calling themselves 'Rabbis X'.

The local Catholic priest, even tho' a monsignor, was universally called
'Father Ed'.

There has been a considerable 'de-pomping' of ecclesiastical titles in the
past few decades. Only the Pope, Patriarch and Cardinals are addressed by
their titles anymore. Calling a bishop 'your grace' is apt to startle the
bishop so-addressed.

"Pastor" has gained ground, but this is a title often taken up by those with
lesser academic credentials (bible college graduates) vs. the full M.Div.
you find with mainline clergy.


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