Does courtesy and good manners dictate that we must honor the titles of

S

Seth

New member
clergy of other religions? For example, should a Catholic be expected to refer to a Protestant preacher as "Your reverence" or "Father so-and-so", or to a Protestant bishop as "Your excellency" or "Bishop so-and-so" if he obviously doesn't recognize the validity of that cleric's ordination?

Or the contrary: should a non-Catholic be expected to refer to a Catholic archbishop as "Your Grace" or to the Pope as "Your Holiness"?
 
If you are really concerned with courtesy and good manners, then yes, you use those titles as a sign of respect....I may not be a fan of certain medical physicians or phds....but I still call them "Dr." I may know that certain married people have the worst relationships going and their marriage is a complete sham...but I still call them "Mrs. and "Mr."

Honestly-I'm not an organized religion kinda gal--but if I met the Pope, I'd refer to him as, "Your Grace"...just because that's what people call him....
 
I'm going to say no. If you do not subscribe to a belief system, why act as though you do? I think being phony is more insulting than being straight up and true to your position and perspective.

I think it's should be individual choice between religious leaders, however I'm certain when they use belief-specific titles, they are probably doing so just to kiss a55.
 
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