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.

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Forms Of Address

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