FYI, here is what's come in to the Blog that relates to this office/rank.
   For recent questions sent in, check out Robert Hickey's Blog.
   For specific offices/ranks, check out Robert Hickey's On-Line Guide.

How to Write a Bishop's Name on a Plaque?
          I am preparing a wooden 'keepsake' for a confirmand - and I am personalizing the piece with the child's name, date of event and the name of the celebrant: Bishop John J McIntyre.
          Which is the more appropriate written form of address for this purpose (keepsake for a child):
                    Bishop John J. MacIntosh
          or
                    The Most Reverend John J. MacIntosh
          ~ D.M. Novak

Dear D.M.N.:
          The formal form of written address is:
                    The Most Reverend John J. MacIntosh
          The form to use in conversation --- or in a letter's salutation is:
                    Bishop MacIntosh
          So on the keepsake use the formal written form of his name:
                    The Most Reverend John J. MacIntosh
           -- Robert Hickey

Is a Roman Catholic Bishop an Excellency?
     How do I address my (Roman Catholic) bishop? Is he Your Excellency? Are there more and less formal forms of correct address?
                   ~ Barbara Montgomery

    I taught catechism for years and when the kids prepared for a visit by the Bishop for confirmation they were always told to say Your Excellency or Bishop (Name).
                   ~ P.D.

Dear P.D. and Ms. Montgomery:
    In conversation it's correct to call the bishop Bishop (Surname).
    A Roman Catholic bishop is not an Excellency -- he's a Most Reverend. So when you address an envelope, write The Most Reverend (full name) and on the second line Bishop of (diocese).
      The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops suggests to address bishops with the courtesy title the Most Reverend.  See how they list their member bishops ON THIS PAGE ... their advice makes sense.
     Excellency is the courtesy title used with the accredited representative (ambassador) of one head-of-state to another head-of-state. The term was invented and established at the Conference of Vienna in 1814 for that purpose
    So a papal nuncio ... the accredited representative from His Holiness to a foreign head-of-state is addressed as His/Your Excellency ... because he holds the rank of ambassador.
    It is not used correctly when addressing bishops in general.
                 -- Robert Hickey

Dear SM in California:
    Addressing bishops as Your Grace is from British etiquette books. In the Church of England bishops are granted the precedence of a Duke ... and dukes.. and thus by courtesy, Anglican bishops too ... are addressed as Your Grace. BUT, the Episcopal Church in the USA suggests the Most Reverend and Bishop (Name).
       His/Her/Your Excellency is a courtesy title used by accredited diplomats who have presented their credentials to a foreign head of state as the single designated representative from another head of state. So the Papal Nuncio (who would always have the rank of bishop) is addressed as Your Excellency ... but other bishops are not.

             -- Robert Hickey

Not Finding Your Question Answered?
Below are other topics covered in my blog and at right is a list of officials, Between the two I probably have what you are looking for.
     After hunting around a bit, if you don't see your question answered send me an e-mail. I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day (unless I am traveling.)
      If I think your question is of interest to others, I will post the question & answer – with your name and any personal specifics changed.
      -- Robert Hickey

USE OF NAMES & HONORIFICS   
Mr., Miss, Jr., III, & Names        
Married Women       
Deceased Persons         
People with Two Titles
Post-Nominal Abbreviations and Initials           
Couples: Joint Forms of Address    (How to address a couple?)   

USE OF SPECIFIC OFFICIAL TITLES        
Former Officials            
Professionals and Academics        

United States Federal Officials, Currently In Office             
United States State Officials, Currently In Office              
United States Municipal Officials, Currently In Office             
       All About The Honorable with U.S. Officials         
       Former United States Officials of all types             
United States Armed Services, Active Duty             
       Addressing Retired Personnel      
       Use of Rank by Retired Personnel      
       Use of Rank by Veterans      

Tribal Officials             
Clergy and Religious Officials           
Canadian Officials         
Australian Officials          
British Officials, Royalty, and Nobility        
Diplomats and International Representatives            
Foreign National Officials and Nobility        

SPECIFIC SITUATIONS
Business Cards       
Couples        
Etiquette             
Flags and Anthem Protocol             
Introductions            
Invitations: Writing & Addressing         
Invitations: Just Armed Service Personnel        
Name Tags            
Names on Programs, Signs, & Lists            
Naming a Building or Road            
Place Cards            
Plaques, Awards, Diplomas, Certificates    
Precedence: Ordering Officials           
Thank You Notes             

Back to directory of titles  /  See who is using Honor & Respect

For forms of address for invitations, place cards, name badges, introductions, conversation, and all other formal uses, see Honor & Respect: the Official Guide to Names, Titles, and Forms of Address.

Copyright © 2013 Robert Hickey.     All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Marc Goodman.