EPISCOPAL church question?

Question

Is it ok to call the leader of the Episcopal church a "Father ?
Also, who in Episcopal church helps those in need? Say who do the member of the church need to approach in the event of the financial hardship?
(this is for my research)

THANK YOU !!!

Answer 1

There are some really incorrect answers here, and a couple of correct ones, as far as they go.

A man who is a priest in the Episcopal Church is traditionally addressed and referred to as "Father," and a woman priest as "Mother" or "Sister." If the clergy person prefers to be addressed in some other way, he or she will let you know.

It is also quite correct to address clergy as "Sir" or "Ma'am."

The title "Father" or "Mother/Sister" usually goes with the person's last name (for example, "Father Smith"). In some cases, a priest likes to be addressed by his first name as a term of affection ("Father Don" etc). Common rules of familiarity and courtesy apply.

If in doubt, "Mr.," "Ms.," "Sir," and "Ma'am" are always acceptable. The only exception is when speaking or writing in anger, in which case "Mister Jones" to a priest may imply that you want him to know that you don't regard him as a priest. It is a matter of the tone of voice.

"Reverend" is an adjective that can be used in some expressions of a clergy person's title. It is correct to refer to a clergy member as "The Reverend Mr. Smith" or "The Reverend Ms. Jones." It is NEVER CORRECT to address a person as "Reverend Smith," and the word "Reverend" is not used in references to a person except as a formal title.

The priest in charge of a parish (self-sustaining) church is refered to as the Rector. The priest in charge of a mission (non-self-sustaining) church is called the Vicar. (Acts "vicariously" for the Bishop.)

A priest in charge may also be referred to as the Priest-in-Charge.

Every clergy person in the Episcopal Church is under the authority of a Bishop. The word "Episcopal" is the Greek word for "Bishop." It literally means "overseer." The Episcopal Church is divided into dioceses, and each diocese has a Bishop in charge, called the Diocesan Bishop, and a Diocesan Bishop may have one or more assisting bishops.

All of the bishops are part of the House of Bishops, which togther with the House of Lay and Clerical Deputies, makes up the General Convention, which meets every third year to set policy for the Episcopal Church in the USA.

THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY IS NOT in a position of authority over the Episcopal Church. I don't remember exactly what someone wrote about the ABoC, but whatever was said, we are only loosely affiliated with Canterbury, and we set our own policy.

There is much, much more to be said about all of these things. The hierarchy is complex and has many variations. If you need more, call your local Episcopal Church and set up an appointment with the Priest in Charge.

All parish clergy members have discretionary funds to be used for personal emergencies and the help of the poor. Anyone who needs help should contact the Priest in Charge.

Answer 2

A male Episcopal priest, like a Catholic priest, is called "Father". If there's a financial crisis, talk with the priest. There is usually money set aside to help those who are in need.

Answer 3

Your local priest, who is usually addressed as "Father" (unless the priest is female), may also be called a vicar or a rector, depending upon his or her position in the church.

In cases of financial hardship, one may go to the local priest, who often has a "discretionary fund" for the poor. Or money can be allocated by the vestry, which is a group of laymen who address matters such as church funding. There are also many Episcopalian/Anglican charities.

Editing to change my earlier statement about the Archbishop of Canterbury. Another poster has corrected me, and that's fine. I am an Episcopalian myself, but apparently still have a thing or two to learn. :)

Answer 4

Excuse me I beg to differ, but Episcopal Priests are called Father, I my self have a wonderful Priest named Father Rob, and his Associate , a woman, is called Mother Lyn.

Answer 5

they are usually called Reverend in the episcopal church. for financial help you would go to the Reverend . he would be the one to contact they have what they call discressionary funds generally under 500.00 if more is needed they then would go to the church "elders" and it would have to be approved.

Answer 6

It is absolutely appropriate to address any man with 'sir' and or 'mister'

It alleviates you from addressing or crediting a man in a manner you may not see fit.

I have never titled a preacher or priest and never will.

Answer 7

The Catholic church is the only one that uses father. The protestant churches use Bishop, Pastor, Reverend, Minister