For instance, if you are writing to bishop Alastair Booneswyth, the header of your letter should read “Most Reverend Alastair Booneswyth. ” In Great Britain, it is common to refer to Bishops as “The Right Reverend. "

”Most Reverend Alastair Booneswyth, Bishop of Rockville. ”

For instance, either “Your Excellency, Bishop Booneswyth” or “Dear Bishop Booneswyth” can work, depending on how well you know the bishop.

Use “His Excellency” as a header (“His Excellency, The Most Reverend Thomas Tallis”). Add “Archbishop” or “Apostolic nuncio to…” to his title (“His Excellency, The Most Reverend Thomas Tallis, Archbishop of Dunkirk” or “His Excellency, The Most Reverend Thomas Tallis, Apostolic nuncio to Dunkirk”). Use a salutation like “Your Excellency, Archbishop Tallis” or “Dear Archbishop Tallis. ” The same closing, “Respectfully yours in Christ,” will work just fine.

If you aren’t sure if there are any exceptions in your area, ask some of your fellow churchgoers.

For instance, start a conversation with “Your Excellency, how are you today?” or “Bishop Sethwynd, how was your week?”