What is the correct way to address an Anglican bishop?

Answer 1

Officially: My Lord.
Ending: I have the honour to remain , Your Lordships obedient servant.

Socially: My dear Lord, or, My dear Lord Bishop.
Ending: Faithfully yours, or, Truly yours.

Envelope: The right rev. the Lord Bishop of Cambridge.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I'm assuming that you're asking with reference to a Church of England bishop.

Here's a summary of what it says in Crockford's (the clerical directory):

If you're addressing an envelope or making a formal listing, the correct form is: 'The Right Reverend the Bishop of X', the only exception being the Bishop of London who as a member of the Privy Council is addressed: 'The Right Reverend and Right Honourable the Lord Bishop of London'. The basic rule (for all clergy) is that the spiritual title always proceeds temporal titles. The other exception is the Bishop of Meath and Kildare who is styled 'The Most Reverend'

In speech or a social letter, though it is perfectly correct to refer the bishop as the 'My Lord', it is becoming increasingly archaic. The slightly less formal 'Bishop' is more common and is generally preferred (in my experience I've not come across any bishop who prefers the more formal address).

When refereing to a bishop in speech or introducing one to others it is usual to use the full title on first usage ('the Bishop of X') and subsequently refer to them as 'Bishop'.

For retired bishops, there is no 'place', in which case their surname is used.


Addressing an archbishop follows similar rules, though the formal title to be used on envelopes etc. is: 'The Most Reverend and the Right Honourable the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury/ York'

In conversation, 'Archbishop' is usually preferred, though the most formal way of address is 'Your Grace'.

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

It all depends whether or not he/she is a true Bishop. If he/she is, then he/she will profusely object to being called Bishop or any other than his name because the Bible forbits it.

The catholics cannot (if they were believers in the Bible) call the pope by his title of POPE. It is not allowed by the Bible because it is the Biblical view that the person so addressed would fill proud and therefore commir sin.

So the correct way to address and anyone who holds a position of responsibility in the church, if you assume that he/she believes in the Bible is

Mr, Brother, Mrs, Miss, Sister.

Answer 5

My Lord Bishop

Answer 6

Your Grace, whether the wearer of the purple is Suffragen or Dioscesan.

This is also accepted courtesy to a Roman Catholic bishop.

Exception: the highest ranking chaplain in the British Army is always a Church of England bishop but also holds the rank of Chaplain- General (Major-General's insignia against a purple epaulette). So you get two more choices: "General" or just plain "Sir".

(Similar arrangements for Chaplaincy in the RAF and Navy)

Answer 7

I met Derek Rawcliffe when he was Bishop of Glasgow - back in the 80's.... he preffered to be called ..simply..Bishop. but ..I have been in the company of English Bishops who want the whole My Lord, Bishop.. and the Bowing and slabbering of the hand thing. Just call them Bishop..and politely nod you head.

Answer 8

Hopefully he's cool with you calling him "the Bish" like we did for my former Rector when he became the Epis. VA bishop. We just called him Bishop Jones.

Answer 9

Mr Hard nosed businessman.

Like football nowadays, the actual original 'cause' for its existence is now an insignificant sufferance endured by Church PLC.

Answer 10

Peter, personally I would address them Your Grace, I.e. good morning Your Grace or yes Your Grace ect.

Chris.