How to Address a Venerable (original) (raw)

How to Address a "Venerable"

The Venerable is not an office. Rather, it is a courtesy title used when addressing a high member of the clergy such as an archdeacon . Confirm the office held then by the individual then check the specific listing for their office to confirm the correct form of address.

The Venerable is used when addressing certain members of the clergy in writing following the same pattern as the Reverend. Confirm the office held then by the individual then check the specific listing for that clerical office to see which is the correct courtesy title.

The Venerable is used before a (full name) or (initial[s]) + (surname). Examples of correct forms include:
• The Venerable Mark M. Phillips
• The Venerable C. M. Phillips

The Venerable describes an individual: The person is a venerable person. It is not used without a name:
Correct: The Venerable Mark M. Phillips
Incorrect: The Venerable Archdeacon of St. Paul's Cathedral
Correct: The Archdeacon of St. Paul's Cathedral