The Most Reverend
—-—-For forms of address see Anglican Archbishop or Roman Catholic Bishop.
How to Address a Most Reverend
The Most Reverend is not an office or rank. Rather, it is a courtesy title used when addressing a high member of the clergy such as an Anglican archbishop, or a Roman Catholic bishop. (1) Confirm the office held by the individual and (2) find and follow the link to that office in the list at right on desktops, at the bottom of every page on tablets and phones.
The Most Reverend is used in the same pattern as ‘the Reverend’. ‘The Most Reverend’ is used before a (Full Name) or (initial[s]) + (Surname). Examples of correct forms include:
—-• The Most Reverend Mark M. Phillips
—-• The Most Reverend C. M. Phillips
The Most Reverend describes an individual: An office is not the most reverend, the person is most reverend. It is always followed by a person’s name:
—-Incorrect: The Most Reverend Archbishop of Brisbane
—-Correct: The Most Reverend Mark M. Phillips, The Archbishop of Brisbane
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.