How does a non-Catholic address a priest?

Question

If your not comfortable calling him Father, since you might already have one. Is Pastor acceptable?

Answer 1

I just say, 'Pope-alicious'. Always breaks the ice, so to speak!

Answer 2

I would call him by his name. Such as John, Dave, Fred, etc. Anyone who calls a preacher a "Pastor" is using the term incorrectly. According to the bible a Pastor is an Elder of a particular church. At NO TIME anywhere in the bible does the term Pastor apply to a preacher or minister. People really should read the bible before they use terms they are not familiar with. Oh, a "Bishop" is a Deacon in the church. Catholic religion adds a lot more to the scripture than is actually there.

My advice is to say hello Mr. Smith or Mr. Jones, etc. that saves you from calling him something you don't agree with or that is incorrect.

P.S. Jesus said "call no man your father EXCEPT that which is in heaven". So how does the Catholic religion get around that?

Answer 3

When one who is not Catholic addresses a priest, I think it's up to the individual and thier inner spirit how to address him. I think it's perfectly ok to address him as pastor. Before you know you are approaching one, one should ask in prayer what to say. The Bible says God will give you the words. If you've prayed, asked God, then follow those commands and be secure in knowing that God is real and HIS Word is ALL God-breathed.

Jesus spoke, ' I am the way, the truth and the light........' and I agree with the others who wrote that the scriptures say no one is to be called 'father'. However, It is not capitalized in the Bible as a name, as is 'rabbi' in book of Matthew.

I also have to consider asking myself this; if the president of the United States walked up to me and shook my hand, how would I address him? From most media reports Ive ever seen, he's addressed as Mr. President and thats called politically correct. Respectfully, a priest also has a title, to his own followers. I think if you are non-Catholic, you could address him as his followers do or as you respect your God. Truthfully, if you've asked in prayer, you may not have to say a word. ;) and wasted lots of precious reading time.

God Bless

Answer 4

Pastor is acceptable if he is a pastor, not all priests are pastors.

Reverend is also acceptable.

However you may want to revisit your reason why you feel uncomfortable about call him "Father".

In context, Matthew 23:7-9 reads, "... And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."

This is call for humility for those in leadership roles. Not to be taken literally.

We are not to deny our male parent and cut the Commandment to honor our father and mother in half.

Some leaders in any church may fall into the same folly as the Pharisees of Jesus' day.

With love in Christ.

Answer 5

Like others have said, "Father" is a title that the man has earned, and calling a priest "Father Jones" is not different than addressing someone who has earned a PhD as "Doctor Jones".
No matter your personal beliefs, you are addressing a member of the clergy; and even if his path differs from your own, he deserves as much respect as any other cleric*. However, if you truly cannot bring yourself to use the honorific, might I suggest "good priest" (for someone you haven't been introduced to), "good sir" or even "sir"?

*And no, not the D&D character. Cleric is a generic term for any ordained or similarly trained member of the clergy, opposed to the laity.

Answer 6

In Matthew Chapter 23 Jesus speaks to the crowd and his disciples about the hypocrisy and prominence the religious leaders of his day displayed.In verses 8 - 11 Jesus says:"But you,do not you be called Rabbi,for one is your teacher,whereas all you are brothers.Moreover,
do not call anyone your father on earth,for one is your Father,the heavenly One.Neither be called "leaders",for your Leader is one,the Christ.But the greatest among one you must be your minister.Whoever,exalts himself will be humbled,and whoever humbles himself,will be exalted."

Answer 7

"Father" is his title; if you're not comfortable using that, find out his name and address him by name. "Pastor" isn't a title used in the Church.

Best wishes and God bless.

Answer 8

First of all, I doubt a non-catholic would associate with a priest. Second of all, if he did then all he would have to say is hi.

Even catholics barely associate with their priests.
I'm catholic and I don't even go to church.

And he doesn't know if you're catholic or not.
For all he knows, you're the guy in the blue shirt's cousin.

Answer 9

I would guess so.. Ask him. Tell him you're not comfortable with calling him "Father"... maybe explain why, then ask him how he would like you to address him.

I think "sir" is ok, but then that's what I call most adult men I don't know by name...

Answer 10

How are you today?
As the Bible forbids any from calling a person on earth his spiritual "father", it would not be appropiate to placate this forbidden practice by compliance.


Mt23:9" Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One."

Answer 11

No, you would address him as Father. That's his title. It would be disrespectful to call him Pastor!