priest

in some denominations, a priest may be a man or a woman; in others, they are always men. Knowing how to address a woman priest is not difficult; the most common practice is the use of first names for both female and male clergy. Some women clergy are comfortable being called "mother," while others say they are not disturbed when they are called "father"; they accept it pro tem in the spirit in which it is meant. It is never in poor taste to ask a priest what she or he likes to be called. This is a time of transition and few people, including the clergy themselves, have hard and fast guidelines. (Neither male nor female priests are properly addressed orally as "reverend," however. See also clergyman, minister, priestess, rabbi.