Protestant Deacon / Deaconess

How to Address a Protestant Deacon & Deaconess?

The answer depend on the denomination.

Episcopal deacons receive clerical training and like priests and bishops are part of the ordained clergy of the Episcopal Church. The same is true for Anglican deacons in the Church of England.

—-Envelope or address block on letter or email:
——–The Reverend (Full Name)
——–Deacon/Deaconess of (cathedral, diocese, deanery, etc.)
——–(Address)

—-Social envelope:
——–The Reverend (Full Name)
——–(Address)

—-Salutation:
——–Dear Deacon/Deaconess (Surname):

—-Conversation
——–Deacon/Deaconess (Surname)
——–Deacon/Deaconess

Deacons in many Protestant denominations are senior members of the congregation (not ordained clergy) and don’t have a special form of address. Being a deacon is a role one assumes, not a personal rank receives.

—-Envelope or address block on letter or email:
——–Mr./Mrs./Ms./etc. (Full Name)
——–Deacon/Deaconess
——–Church
——–(Address)

—-Social envelope:
——–Mr./Mrs./Ms./etc. (Full Name)
——–(Address)

—-Salutation:
——–Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./etc.(Surname):

—-Conversation:
——–Mr./Mrs./Ms./etc. (Surname)

For more on writing women’s name in joint forms of address see the post  ‘Mrs. vs. Ms.’.

– Robert Hickey

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”

When Should You Use the Forms on this Page?

You can use these forms of address for any mode of communication: addressing a letter, invitation, card or Email. (If there are differences between the official and social forms of address, I will have mentioned the different forms.)  The form noted in the salutation is the same form you say when you say their name in conversation or when you greet them.
___What I don’t cover on this site are many things I do cover in my book: all the rules of forms of address, about names, international titles, precedence, complimentary closes, details on invitations, place cards, all sorts of introductions, etc. I hope you’ll get a copy of the book if you’d like the further detail.

Not Finding Your Answer?

—-#1)  At right on desktops, at the bottom of every page on tablets and phones, is a list of all the offices, officials & topics covered on the site.

—-#2)  If you don’t see the official you seek included or your question answered send me an e-mail. I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day or so (unless I am traveling.)  Note: I don’t have mailing or Email addresses for any of the officials and I don’t keep track of offices that exist only in history books.

—-#3)  If I think your question is of interest to others, Sometimes I post the question  – but always change all the specifics.

— Robert Hickey 

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”

Recommended Resources:  The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW) and Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA)    For more information see the Protocol Resources page.