How would you greet a bishop?

[PloverWing]

Man, can hardly deal with local pastors, an overseer over pastors would probably be even more controlling. I'd probably avoid and such.

Actually, one of the functions of a bishop is that he/she can step in if something is going badly wrong in a congregation, such as the pastor being overly controlling. I've been in a congregation where that happened; the situation was dealt with quickly and quietly, with relatively little damage to the congregation, and I was grateful for the bishop's presence as mediator in the situation.

 

[SaintNick]

Not all churches are like yours, though, so you would more than likely be barking up the wrong tree

I think it would be the other way around but hey, whatever.

 

[mnphysicist]

Usually an informal greeting like "Hey Bishop Abcedef", as I'm friends with a number of them in various denominations. Years before I met the Catholic bishop, I really wondered what was up... as I'd see him on tv, and it was like whoa. Only after I'd met him and hung out a few times did it make sense that television and him were like oil and water. In person, he's super cool... even heard a few of his sermons over the years, and the guy nails it.
,

 

[bekkilyn]

I think it would be the other way around but hey, whatever.

This would bring a whole new meaning to identifying a tree by its bark (vs. its bite).

 

[Anthony2019]

I met our bishop a couple of weeks ago. Had a handshake and a brief chat before and after the service. Very approachable, he is a true gentleman, very humble and modest, a good example of Christian compassion, inclusion and kindness.

 

[Toro]

 

[Paidiske]

My own local bishop prefers informality, so I tend to default to "Bishop Paul," (no reverence). I'm aware that some other bishops in my church would prefer more formal address, so I try to find out about the personal style of the person beforehand.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Actually, one of the functions of a bishop is that he/she can step in if something is going badly wrong in a congregation, such as the pastor being overly controlling. I've been in a congregation where that happened; the situation was dealt with quickly and quietly, with relatively little damage to the congregation, and I was grateful for the bishop's presence as mediator in the situation.

It's good to hear good stories too. thanks.

 

[Foxfyre]

Either a bishop, Patriarch, Pope, Ecumenical Patriarch. How would you greet that person? With a kiss, reverence?

I worked for two Episocpal Bishops. When I met them and numerous other bishops, I shook their hands and said something like "Glad to meet you Bishop ***. Thereafter it was usually 'good morning' or 'welcome back' or whatever was appropriate. No curtseying, genuflecting, hand kissing or anything like that. When I worked for the Roman Catholics at another time, I didn't meet any cardinals or bishops so I don't know what the protocol would have been there.

In both cases though, the general dynamics were no different than any other job.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

My greeting (in western drawl): Howdy partner

 

[charsan]

I say Hello Bishop and than his name.

 

[PaulCyp1]

"Good afternoon your excellency" is the proper form.

 

[DamianWarS]

Either a bishop, Patriarch, Pope, Ecumenical Patriarch. How would you greet that person? With a kiss, reverence?

[we exchange pleasantries and I ask what he does for a living...]
"Oh, you're a bishop... that's interesting"

 

[Mark Quayle]

Either a bishop, Patriarch, Pope, Ecumenical Patriarch. How would you greet that person? With a kiss, reverence?

They are people just like us. Why should they receive reverence? I know a few who don't want it.

 

[Not David]

They are people just like us. Why should they receive reverence? I know a few who don't want it.

Don't you think there was respect in the New Testament?

 

[Albion]

They are people just like us. Why should they receive reverence? I know a few who don't want it.

They are people just like us in the way that the governor of your state or the president of the university are "people just like us."

If you would greet them (or the head of your denomination) with a "Hi. How's it goin?," then it probably is understandable if you greet a bishop that way also. However, you can also appreciate why it is that some people think it may call for a bit more. How well you know that dignitary, what the event is, and what his own preferences may be do affect this, as you said.

 

[Shane R]

My jurisdiction publishes a little manual of customs for various things, most of it surrounding episcopal visits. The custom for the clergy differs from that for the laity. The custom clergy and anyone who has been licensed to read or preach (essentially minor orders) should follow is to genuflect on the left knee and kiss the ring. He is to be addressed as 'Your Excellency' or 'Your Grace.' The lay members may also kiss the ring but it is not expected.

 

[Jonaitis]

Either a bishop, Patriarch, Pope, Ecumenical Patriarch. How would you greet that person? With a kiss, reverence?

Hello

 

[FireDragon76]

You can address ELCA bishops as "Your Grace" or "Reverend". I haven't seen any kissing their rings or anything like that. Though some of our bishops wear much better vestments than Episcopalians, I think our ethos is more egalitarian than in other churches than have bishops.

 

[Mathetes66]

I would address them as Jesus taught us in matthew 23: as 'brother' just like all the apostles addressed each other as brother or as other believers were addressed in the various epistles in the NT.