Assistant Bishops
In Britain Assistant Bishops may be appointed, after retirement as a Diocesan or Suffragan Bishop, to assist the Bishop of the diocese in which they are living. They are addressed by name.
How to Address an Assistant Bishop
In the Anglican Church overseas this title may be given to younger men who after consecration are appointed to assist the Bishop of a large diocese.
The form of address is the same in both cases.
The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:
Beginning of letter | Dear Bishop |
End of letter | Yours sincerely |
Envelope | The Rt Rev John Smith |
Verbal address | Bishop |
Invitation | The Rt Rev John Smith |
Joint invitation* | The Rt Rev John and Mrs Smith |
Description in conversation | The Bishop of Blank |
List of Directors or Patrons | The Rt Rev John Smith |
Place card | The Rt Rev John Smith |
*Note: Traditionally, invitations to a married couple, when sent to their home address, are addressed to the wife alone, with both names being inscribed on the invitation card. It has become increasingly acceptable, however, to address the envelope with both names.