Capitalize Pastor In A Sentence

The first time I was assigned to write a piece involving a religious organization, I took extra care to enquiry the proper religious titles for all individuals referenced. As I quickly discovered, there is a staggering diversity of religious titles, nearly of them specific to dissimilar faiths and denominations. Fortunately, the Associated Press Stylebook addresses many of them in detail. Let's review together how to properly use religious titles in AP style.

Religious Titles Earlier Names

Religious titles are formal titles. They should be capitalized when attached earlier names of individuals, and they should be lowercase when they stand lonely. A religious title is advisable on first reference before the name of a clergyman or clergywoman.

The program included a message from the Rev. Stephen Porter.

religious titles

On 2d reference, apply only the individual's last proper noun.

Attendees appreciated Porter's brevity.

In cases where a figure has taken a religious name as role of a title, maintain usage of this proper name throughout.

Hotels were fully booked in advance of the visit by Pope Francis. The popularity of the pope was obviously axiomatic, every bit a massive crowd gathered to receive Francis.

Priests and Ministers

Use of the Rev. is appropriate on first reference for most priests and ministers. Monsignor should exist used when applicative for Roman Catholic priests.

The facility was graced with a visit by Monsignor Timothy Howard.

is catholic capitalized

Avert using the Rev. Dr. earlier a proper name unless reference to an individual'south earned doctoral degree is relevant. Do not include Dr. for honorary medico of divinity degrees.

Avert using such words equally father, pastor and curate before individuals' names. In direct quotations, however, capitalize these terms when used as titles before names.

"The church building is very blessed to have Pastor Steve," said i parishioner.

Bishops, Archbishops and Cardinals

On get-go reference, capitalize Bishop, Archbishop and Cardinal before names. On subsequent references, utilize either the individual's terminal name or the title by itself in lowercase.

Later, Bishop Francisco Medina stopped by the school. A group of students presented a gift to the bishop. Medina accustomed information technology gladly.

is church capitalized

If appropriate in the context, substitute the Nearly Rev. as applicable to certain bishops and archbishops.

Opening remarks were given past the Well-nigh Rev. Robert Westward. McElroy, archbishop of San Diego.

Rabbis

Use Rabbi as a formal championship, capitalized earlier a proper noun, on first reference. Utilize only the rabbi'due south last name on second reference.

Joining the word was Rabbi Ben Silverstein. Silverstein impressed the panel with his wisdom.

Nuns

Use Sis or, if applicable, Female parent before the proper noun of a nun. If the proper noun is a religious name, employ the title and name together in all references.

A man came request for Sister Mary Eunice. Sis Mary Eunice insisted she did not know the man.

If the nun uses a surname, include the title on get-go reference. Use the surname on subsequent references.

The head nun was Sister Judy Martin. Martin was known to be a rigid disciplinarian.

Officeholders

For individuals who are not ordained clergy only agree offices in the church, use a comma construction to ready a lowercase title apart from the proper noun.

Felix Smith, the church building treasurer, tin can respond questions about the upkeep.

is pastor capitalized

If the position is accompanied by a formal championship, however, and the title immediately precedes an individual'due south proper name, and so capitalize it.

Chief Financial Officer Gregory Griffin brings years of accounting experience to his position with the new megachurch.

AP Style Religious Titles: No Cracking Mystery

However inscrutable they may at showtime announced, religious titles are no bully mystery. If you yet demand help using religious titles in AP fashion, exit us a comment below!