Even if someone is not catholic, must that person call the catholic priest “father”? Or, how about a muslim imam, is that man to be called by his religious title by a non-muslim? And, if the individual refuses to call those men by their titles, what then?
Well apparently I’m good calling my dad “Old fart”.
Catholics aren't even the only ones to use this title. What about Episcopalian priests? Should a Catholic call an Episcopalian or Anglican priest "Father?"
That’s a good question.
I would say, that if someone isn’t a Catholic, there isn’t any moral obligation to call a priest “Father”, in a technical sense. It seems to me though, in a social setting it would be rather odd and awkward if one didnt.
For example, can you imagine the scene if one is in a group of people where a priest is present, and all are engaged in polite conversation. To address the preist in said conversation would be a bit awkward to say “Mister Thomas” when everyone else is calling him “Father Thomas”.
Similarly for an Imam (should anyone find oneself in the company of Muslims and their Imam).
So for the sake of a polite conversation I’d say it should be done. And perhaps that’s why it’s good this apologetic was posted. I would hope our non-Catholic brethren could put their mind at ease about this particular topic. Even if such do not want to become Catholic.
At least, one need not worry about calling a man “father”, regardless if a person is Catholic or not.
Let's expand the question: "Even if someone did not vote for Obama, must that person call him "President"?
both are titles of respect for the office, regardless of the faith one practices or the party to which one belongs. Should a christian call a rabbi, "Rabbi"?
A priest may be addressed as Reverend or Canon if he happens to be one. Only liberals refuse to use propers, time honored titles.
Usually they call him Reverend.