Everyone probably knows how believers should address a priest. Church etiquette is clear, but doubts arise in the case of atheists, whose number is still growing. Non-believers believe that such formulas are exaggeration. Should they use them too? Here’s what a linguist and expert say about it.
Can you call a priest “sir”? The expert explains how to address a priest
Mrs. Etiquette is an expert in the rules of etiquette and savoir-vivre, who advises us on how to behave and what to say. Some time ago, she answered the question whether an atheist can call a priest “sir”. Non-believers may not be thrilled Mrs. Etiquette speaks clearly. – Oh, I wouldn’t advise it – she emphasized. She pointed out that, like many people dealing with etiquette, she also believes that non-believers do not have to pray in church. It’s a different story when it comes to polite formulas. According to Mrs. Etiquette, the correct form is “priest please”. – I would be careful about the lack of titles, because even if we are not believers, we are still this may be perceived as rude – she emphasized.
A heated discussion broke out under the recording. Not everyone agreed with what the expert advised. Some asked whether electricians should also be addressed as “electrician please”, others pointed out that it is rude to call non-believers “God bless you”.
The fact that something is appropriate is not because it is required by the person we are addressing.
– Mrs. Etiquette replied to one of the comments.
How to greet a priest and what about calling a clergyman as “sir”? Linguist translates
How to address a priest if someone is an atheist? Are “please, priest”, “God bless you” and “praised be Jesus Christ” required formulas? An etiquette expert speaks clearly on this subject. What do linguists say about calling a priest “sir”? This question was received in the mailbox some time ago. The answer was provided by prof. Katarzyna Kłosińska, linguist from the University of Warsaw and chairwoman of the Polish Language Council.
It is customary to address a priest as ‘priest’ and the use of this form is not influenced by the denomination (or lack of denomination) of the person speaking. Calling a priest ‘sir’ is considered rude and may be perceived as a signal that the man’s status as a clergyman is not recognized.
– explains prof. Katarzyna Kłosińska. What about greetings? According to the linguist, the usual secular forms, such as “good morning”, are sufficient. Their use is not considered rude.
Source: Gazeta
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