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Father:
The use of the term '"Father" in reference to clergy has its roots in the third century monastic movement in which the person who had oversight of monastics - and hence over their vow of obedience, in particular - was referred to as "Abba" or "Abbe". It is the root of our modern word "Abbot" and became generalized to all clergy in succeeding centuries, as more and more of them were members of orders. It was rejected in the Reformation by the radical reformers as not having scriptural warrant or worse, being in violation of the command to call no man 'father'. In Anglicanism, it has generally been an honorific, which was/is not required, but left to local parish custom.
A priest may be called "Father" in personal conversation or in the
salutation of a letter, e.g., "Father Smith," "Dear Father Smith."
Typically used of all Roman Catholic clergy and many Episcopal
priests. Some female priests now desire to be addressed as "Mother."
Others desire to be addressed simply as "Rev. Smith."
The bible says to call no man "Father." This does not mean that you
cannot call a parent "Father", nor does it mean that you cannot
address an Abbot as "Father." What it means is that Christians
should call no other person "Father" with the same meaning one would
have in calling God "Father." That would be idolatry.
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