Clergy Titles??

[Shosha]

Ok...
I have been ordained by the church of spiritual humanism.
They have no specific titles for their clergy.
However, in order to officiate ceremonies in my state, I can't write "Ordain Clergyperson" I have to use a title.

Reverend and Priestess/High Priestess just don't seem to fit.
What are some others I might use instead?

Thanks!

[aranarose]

I sign with Reverend when I sign marriage licenses. It causes less problems. Reverend is an established name for clergy, and as odd as it sounds with my name, the last thing you want to have to deal with is the clerk questioning your legality. While ordination with the Church of Spiritual Humanism is legally recognized, the less hastles you have to deal with, the better.

[Toby Stimpson]

I think it depends what you do. I mean a title is a pwoerful thing, and to take on a title that does not mean what you think it means will make others assume things about you based on that title.

A reverand is different from a priest. A Reverand is a speaker, an officiator... a Priest is one part of a much larger structure. A Reverand has certain individual freedoms, Priests have to follow a status quote.

Also, you have to ask yourself exactly why the Church does not use Titles... and also if it is even legal for you to call yourself, even on paper, a title that that church did not give you. If you say you were a Priest when in fact you were ordained a Minister... what are some of the ramifications legally of you changing that title?

What will you be doing in an official capacity with this church... what will you be doing?

[aranarose]

I think it depends what you do. I mean a title is a pwoerful thing, and to take on a title that does not mean what you think it means will make others assume things about you based on that title.

A reverand is different from a priest. A Reverand is a speaker, an officiator... a Priest is one part of a much larger structure. A Reverand has certain individual freedoms, Priests have to follow a status quote.

Also, you have to ask yourself exactly why the Church does not use Titles... and also if it is even legal for you to call yourself, even on paper, a title that that church did not give you. If you say you were a Priest when in fact you were ordained a Minister... what are some of the ramifications legally of you changing that title?

What will you be doing in an official capacity with this church... what will you be doing?

Reverend takes care of that. It's a sort of universal title that is the default for all ordained ministers.

[Lunacie]

Within my own small community I may use the title "Priestess" but am often called "Mama Crone." One of my co-members prefers the term "Reverend."

When I'm doing cross-religious services such as weddings or speaking at a recent funeral I use the title "Minister."

[Shosha]

aranarose said:

the last thing you want to have to deal with is the clerk questioning your legality. While ordination with the Church of Spiritual Humanism is legally recognized, the less hastles you have to deal with, the better.


I have checked with my local county clerk's office and was told that "any" title "other than ordained clergy" is acceptable. Even when I told her that I was not of a mainstream religion. The clerk actually perked up and said "like wicca or something? Just use something besides ordained clergy."



Toby Stimpson said:

I think it depends what you do. I mean a title is a pwoerful thing, and to take on a title that does not mean what you think it means will make others assume things about you based on that title.


I totally agree with you here... that's why I'm being so picky about what to use. I know that to some, it seems a petty question, but to me it's very very important that I find the correct title. This is NOT something I'm taking lightly at all!




Toby Stimpson also said:

Also, you have to ask yourself exactly why the Church does not use Titles... and also if it is even legal for you to call yourself, even on paper, a title that that church did not give you.


I can choose what title I use. I do have to "register" that title with them, BUT the options are open. They don't really care what title I choose.


My job, so to speak:
Ordination means that the Church has authorized the clergy person to perform Marriage, Baby Naming, Funeral, Hand Fasting, Commitment, Affirmation of Love, Invocations, Renewal of Marriage, and holiday ceremonies.

There are other areas in wich I work also, but usually I'm referred to as Shaman at those times. This includes work as a healer, teacher (at times), confidant, councellor, etc. It's kind of like being everybody's big sister. :)

I had the suggestion of Cleric.

[Kern]

Congrats on your Ordination.

[Shosha]

Congrats on your Ordination.


Thank you, very much. Actually... when I decided to get it... i didn't think it would mean as much as I find now, it does..........interesting.

[cheddarsox]

What about Chaplain? To me that signifies one who serves members of a faith, but doesn't denote a "power" role, nor is it specific to any sect of faith. It is sort of a universal title for a clergy who serve any faithful in need or want of service, even crossing lines of faith to do so.

In a hospital, if the chaplain of your faith isn't free, one of another faith will be happy to speak with you if you are willing. I always liked that.

[Lunacie]

What about Chaplain? To me that signifies one who serves members of a faith, but doesn't denote a "power" role, nor is it specific to any sect of faith. It is sort of a universal title for a clergy who serve any faithful in need or want of service, even crossing lines of faith to do so.

In a hospital, if the chaplain of your faith isn't free, one of another faith will be happy to speak with you if you are willing. I always liked that.

Chaplain makes me think of someone with the armed services or with a hospital. For me, I'll stick with Minister.

[Shosha]

It's starting to look like Reverend is it. It just gives me so many visions of the creepy "god gifted psychics" like "Reverend Sister Cora Mae"... know what I mean? the ads in the backs of the really sleezy tabloids...

However, I've now been told by another in the CSH (chruch of human spiritualism) that Reverend is the "default" title to sign since I didn't specify a title at the time of ordination.... even if I never saw how to do that.:whatgives

However... it's facinating to read all the titles and reasonings behind their uses by all of you.

I'd actually concidered using "Shaman" at one point.