Vicar vs. Reverend — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 4, 2023
Vicar is a specific role within a church; Reverend is an honorific used to address clergy.
Difference Between Vicar and Reverend
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A Vicar is a representative or deputy of a bishop or a priest in charge of a parish where they perform duties on behalf of the bishop. They often conduct worship services, marry couples, and perform baptisms. On the other hand, Reverend is a title used to address ordained ministers in Christianity, which precedes a person's name, for example, Reverend Smith.
Vicars are usually found within the Anglican Communion, the Church of England, and some Lutheran churches. Their role is pastoral, taking care of their congregation's spiritual and often physical needs. In contrast, the term Reverend is not limited to a single denomination and can refer to a variety of clergy across different Christian denominations, including pastors, priests, and ministers.
The role of a Vicar can vary based on the church's context and tradition, but it typically involves being the priest in charge of a particular church or parish. The title Reverend, however, is not an indication of a specific role but is rather a sign of respect for someone who has been ordained.
In some denominations, a Vicar may be someone in training under a priest and may not have the full authority of a parish priest. Conversely, anyone who holds the title Reverend has been recognized by their church as having the authority to perform sacred rites, regardless of their specific role within the church.
To summarize, Vicar refers to a role within a church, often associated with a specific church or parish, and holds specific duties. The term Reverend, however, is a title reflecting ordination and respect used for various clergy roles, not specifying any particular church duty or position.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A deputy of a bishop or a parish priest.
An honorific title for clergy.
Denomination
Common in Anglican, Lutheran, and some other churches.
Used across many Christian denominations.
Role
Specific church leadership or pastoral role.
General title not specifying particular duties.
Ordination
Role assumed after ordination.
Title used once ordained.
Usage
Used as a noun.
Used as an adjective or title before a name.
Compare with Definitions
Vicar
In the Roman Catholic Church, a priest acting for another.
He acted as a vicar in the absence of the parish priest.
Reverend
A title used before the name of a Christian clergy member.
The Reverend John will be joining our church staff next month.
Vicar
A clergy member serving as a substitute or agent for a higher authority.
The vicar officiated at the wedding because the bishop was unavailable.
Reverend
A term of respect for a member of the clergy.
She spoke to the Reverend about her spiritual questions.
Vicar
A clergyman appointed to act as a priest in a parish.
The vicar prepared his sermon for Sunday's service.
Reverend
An ordained minister of the Christian Church.
The Reverend held weekly Bible studies at the community center.
Vicar
A representative or deputy of a bishop.
The vicar was responsible for many of the bishop's duties in the diocese.
Reverend
A pastor or priest with authority to perform religious ceremonies.
The Reverend performed the baptism ceremony on Sunday.
Vicar
A vicar (; Latin: vicarius) is a representative, deputy or substitute; anyone acting "in the person of" or agent for a superior (compare "vicarious" in the sense of "at second hand"). Linguistically, vicar is cognate with the English prefix "vice", similarly meaning "deputy".
Reverend
Used as a title or form of address to members of the clergy
The Reverend Pat Tilly
Vicar
(in the Church of England) an incumbent of a parish where tithes formerly passed to a chapter or religious house or layperson.
Reverend
A member of the clergy
A retired reverend
Vicar
An Anglican parish priest in a parish where historically someone other than the priest was entitled to the tithes.
Reverend
Deserving reverence.
Vicar
A cleric in charge of a chapel in the Episcopal Church of the United States.
Reverend
Relating to or characteristic of the clergy; clerical.
Vicar
An Anglican or Roman Catholic cleric who acts for or represents another, often higher-ranking member of the clergy.
Reverend
Reverend Abbr. Rev. Used as a title and form of address for certain clerics in many Christian churches. In formal usage, preceded by the
The Reverend Jane Doe.
Reverend John Jones.
Vicar
In the Church of England, the priest of a parish, receiving a salary or stipend but not tithes.
Reverend
A cleric or minister. Used with the.
Vicar
In the Roman Catholic and some other churches, a cleric acting as local representative of a higher ranking member of the clergy.
Reverend
Worthy of reverence or respect
Vicar
A person acting on behalf of, or representing, another person.
Reverend
Reverent
Vicar
One deputed or authorized to perform the functions of another; a substitute in office; a deputy.
Reverend
(informal) A member of the Christian clergy; a minister.
Vicar
The incumbent of an appropriated benefice.
Reverend
Worthy of reverence; entitled to respect mingled with fear and affection; venerable.
A reverend sire among them came.
They must give good example and reverend deportment in the face of their children.
Vicar
A Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman
Reverend
A member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
Vicar
(Episcopal Church) a clergyman in charge of a chapel
Reverend
A title of respect for a clergyman
Vicar
(Church of England) a clergyman appointed to act as priest of a parish
Reverend
Worthy of adoration or reverence
Vicar
A church official acting as a caretaker in an absence.
As a vicar, she managed the daily operations of the parish.
Reverend
Someone entitled to respect due to their office in the church.
The community respected the Reverend for his years of service.
Common Curiosities
What does Reverend mean?
Reverend is an honorific title for an ordained minister or clergy member.
Is every Vicar called Reverend?
Yes, typically Vicars are also addressed as Reverend as a sign of respect.
Is Reverend a religious title or a job title?
Reverend is a religious title used before a clergy member's name.
What is a Vicar?
A Vicar is a clergy member who acts as a representative of a bishop or serves a parish.
Does the term Reverend denote a specific level of clergy?
No, Reverend does not denote a specific level; it’s a title for any ordained clergy.
What’s higher, a Vicar or a Reverend?
The titles refer to different things; Reverend is a title, while Vicar is a role.
How do I address a Vicar or a Reverend?
You can address them as "Vicar [Name]" or "Reverend [Name]" respectively.
Do Vicars and Reverends have to be celibate?
This depends on the rules of their particular denomination; some require celibacy, others do not.
What are the duties of a Vicar?
A Vicar’s duties include leading worship services, performing sacraments, and pastoral care.
Is the title Reverend used in all Christian churches?
Most, but not all, Christian churches use the title Reverend for their clergy.
Can women be Vicars or Reverends?
Yes, many Christian denominations ordain women as Vicars and they can be addressed as Reverend.
Are all priests called Vicars?
No, not all priests are called Vicars; this title is role and denomination-specific.
Can a Reverend become a Vicar?
Yes, a Reverend can take on the role of a Vicar if appointed to that position.
Can Vicars and Reverends hold secular jobs?
This varies by denomination and local church rules, but some can hold secular jobs.
Do Vicars perform weddings and funerals?
Yes, Vicars typically perform weddings, funerals, and other sacraments.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
