Q&A for How to Address a Catholic Bishop

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  • Question
    What are respectful ways to stand when taking a photo with a bishop or archbishop?
    Community Answer
    Just be respectful while standing straight and smiling. Keep your hands at your sides.
  • Question
    How would a Jewish person end their letter?
    Tomas Darius Davainis
    Community Answer
    The letter to the bishop ends with a show of respect. Like being written for an older person. There is no obligation for Jewish to write the letter in some exceptional way. The Catholic could write at the end of the letter, "In the communion of Christ, John John" or "In the love of Christ...".
  • Question
    Does one include name suffixes such as "OFM Conv." after a bishop's name in a letter header?
    Tomas Darius Davainis
    Community Answer
    The main criterion is from which country you are. In most countries, affiliation is not a significant factor. (For example, Pope Francis is a member of a Jesuit monastery but nowhere is it written: Pope Francis SJ.) Under Catholic Church law, when a priest and a monk become bishop, he is not subordinate to the monastic authority. It is possible to write and thus show greater respect for the bishop.
  • Question
    I am Jewish and received a sympathy card from a Bishop who is a friend of a friend of mine. It was a sympathy letter from the Bishop in regards of my twin brother who died and I want to send a thank you.
    Zack
    Top Answerer
    It is simple. Write your thank-you from your own perspective without any sense of criticism toward his perspective. Focus on commonalities rather than differences. We are all human after all is said and done.
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