Quote:
Originally Posted by SWTXBelle
http://www.formsofaddress.info/Reverend.html
While Reverend is sometimes used as an honorific in the manner of Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr., such use is not traditional. In traditional use, Reverend is never used alone, never with only a first name or only a surname, and never with another honorific (such as Dr.), or with hierarchical title (such as Bishop)
SO - The Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson is an idiot.
NOT - Rev. Jess Lee Peterson is an idiot
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Amen, amen and amen.
Except as to the another "honorific" part. In traditional usage, "reverend" must always be preceeded by "the" and must always be followed
either by a full name (or initials and surname)
or a title -- Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Dr. Thus:
Correct: The Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson is an idiot.
Also correct: The Rev. Mr. Peterson is an idiot.
Incorrect: Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson is an idiot.
Also incorrect: Reverend Peterson is an idiot.
Also, "Reverend" should only be used to refer to someone, identify someone, or as a formal form of address (like on an envelope). In actually speaking to a member or the clergy, or in the opening of a letter, the appropriate title should be used: Mr./Dr./Pastor/Father . . . .
But I fear it is a long lost cause.