FYI, here is what's come in to the Blog that relates to this office/rank.
   For recent questions sent in, check out Robert Hickey's Blog.
   For specific offices/ranks, check out Robert Hickey's On-Line Guide.

How to Write a Bishop's Name on a Plaque?
          I am preparing a wooden 'keepsake' for a confirmand - and I am personalizing the piece with the child's name, date of event and the name of the celebrant: Bishop John J McIntyre.
          Which is the more appropriate written form of address for this purpose (keepsake for a child):
                    Bishop John J. MacIntosh
          or
                    The Most Reverend John J. MacIntosh
          ~ D.M. Novak

Dear D.M.N.:
          The formal form of written address is:
                    The Most Reverend John J. MacIntosh
          The form to use in conversation --- or in a letter's salutation is:
                    Bishop MacIntosh
          So on the keepsake use the formal written form of his name:
                    The Most Reverend John J. MacIntosh
           -- Robert Hickey

Is a Roman Catholic Bishop an Excellency?
     How do I address my (Roman Catholic) bishop? Is he Your Excellency? Are there more and less formal forms of correct address?
                   ~ Barbara Montgomery

    I taught catechism for years and when the kids prepared for a visit by the Bishop for confirmation they were always told to say Your Excellency or Bishop (Name).
                   ~ P.D.

Dear P.D. and Ms. Montgomery:
    In conversation it's correct to call the bishop Bishop (Surname).
    A Roman Catholic bishop is not an Excellency -- he's a Most Reverend. So when you address an envelope, write The Most Reverend (full name) and on the second line Bishop of (diocese).
      The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops suggests to address bishops with the courtesy title the Most Reverend.  See how they list their member bishops ON THIS PAGE ... their advice makes sense.
     Excellency is the courtesy title used with the accredited representative (ambassador) of one head-of-state to another head-of-state. The term was invented and established at the Conference of Vienna in 1814 for that purpose
    So a papal nuncio ... the accredited representative from His Holiness to a foreign head-of-state is addressed as His/Your Excellency ... because he holds the rank of ambassador.
    It is not used correctly when addressing bishops in general.
                 -- Robert Hickey

Dear SM in California:
    Addressing bishops as Your Grace is from British etiquette books. In the Church of England bishops are granted the precedence of a Duke ... and dukes.. and thus by courtesy, Anglican bishops too ... are addressed as Your Grace. BUT, the Episcopal Church in the USA suggests the Most Reverend and Bishop (Name).
       His/Her/Your Excellency is a courtesy title used by accredited diplomats who have presented their credentials to a foreign head of state as the single designated representative from another head of state. So the Papal Nuncio (who would always have the rank of bishop) is addressed as Your Excellency ... but other bishops are not.

             -- Robert Hickey

Back to directory of titles  /  See who is using Honor & Respect

For forms of address for invitations, place cards, name badges, introductions, conversation, and all other formal uses, see Honor & Respect: the Official Guide to Names, Titles, and Forms of Address.

Copyright © 2012 Robert Hickey.     All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Marc Goodman.