formal titles

Capitalize and spell out formal titles when they precede a name but lowercase elsewhere: The librarian found the book, and the presiding bishop made an announcement. The announcement was made by Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe. It was met with enthusiasm by Bishop John Doe from the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Northwestern Gulf, the fifth bishop of that diocese. After the welcome, Chancellor John Doe addressed the crowd. John Doe, chancellor, spoke first.

Refer to individuals by first and last name, with clergy titles, on first reference: the Rev. Canon Susan Smith or the Very Rev. Robert Smith. Refer to individuals by last name only, without titles, in subsequent references. Please note that contact information given at the conclusion of a press release does not count as a subsequent reference; for contact information, please include the person’s full name and title. See also titles: clergy and religious, The Church Pension Group Guide to Rules of Address

Lowercase terms that are occupational descriptions rather than formal titles: astronaut Sally Ride, poet Maya Angelou. Worship will be led by singer Jane Doe.

The title “Dr.” is not used before the names of clergy or scholars who hold academic doctorates or who have honorary doctorates. If the academic degree is relevant to the context, it is better to explain as follows: Jane Doe, who holds a doctorate in education, will moderate the discussion. Any reference to an honorary degree should specify that the degree was honorary. Don’t combine “Dr.” with other titles, such as “the Rev. Dr.” See also doctor, Religion Stylebook