How do you decide if it is "Reverend", "the Reverend", or "the Very

[Egalitariat]

Reverend"?

I noticed in a post (http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4990193&mesg_id=4990193) that one member is questioning whether this guy is a reverend -- I assume that's why he put it in 'quotes'.

Why do people refer to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton as "THE Reverend Jesse Jackson" and "THE Reverend Al Sharpton" but the minister at my church is just "Reverend .... McAfee" (with no THE in front)?

And a few times recently, I've seen advertisements for sermons/speeches by people whose title is "THE VERY Reverend" -- such as this guy --> http://www.christchurchcathedralspringfield.org/deansmessage.html

Is there a method to the madness?

[TallahasseeGrannie]

1. I do know

that the VERY Reverend is a Bishop.

[SoDesuKa]

2. Depends on Rank

I think you have to have some kind of title to be a very reverend - a bishop, a dean, president of a college, etc.

I don't think there's a difference between Rev. Al Sharpton and The Reverend Al Sharpton.

[mr_hat]

3. Not sure. Watch out for the Somewhat Reverend, though.

[Spider Jerusalem]

4. The proper use is usually...

"The Reverend Mister -----"; "The Very Reverend" is the proper form of address, in writing, for a bishop (who is addressed face to face as "Your Excellency" or, in British Commonwealth countries, as "My Lord"). Calling a priest, minister, etc., "Reverend Smith" is technically an incorrect form of address, but it's become a common colloquial usage.

[greekspeak]

5. Probably depends on denomenation, or even individual churches

Ecclesiastical titles are very fluid.

[Lefty48197]

6. Reverend is a title, the Reverend is a noun

and I don't know the rest.

[WinkyDink]

7. It is always to be "THE Reverend" in writing.

Plain ole "Rev." MIGHT be okay face to face. But I'm not too sure; I'm used to "Father". Hee.
Oh, and "Very" and every other addition depends upon the esact rank.

[Hardrada]

8. In a speech, I use reverend in the plural, to wit:

"Your imperial majesties, your highnesses, noble dukes and duchesses, your excellencies, REVEREND CLERGY, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure tonight to....etc."