Father

” Honorific title used by some male priests. Anglican usage of the title dates from the ritual revival of the Anglo-catholic movement of the nineteenth century. It was borrowed from Roman Catholic practice, and it spread to widespread acceptance among Anglo-catholics. By the late twentieth century, the title was used widely by male priests in the Episcopal Church, including many who were not Anglo-catholics. Its counterpart, “Mother,” is sometimes used by female priests. The BCP does not require the use of any title by priests.