What is the difference between a Reverend and a Reverend Canon?

Answer 1

When someone is ordained a deacon or priest they are given the title 'Reverend' unless they are Roman Catholic and then they are usually given the title 'Father'. So any priest or deacon is a 'Reverend'. However, some priests go on to become priests in charge of an area called a parish when they are termed 'vicars' (or, depending upon the history of the parish, sometimes 'rectors'). So a vicar is a priest that has a special administrative role. If a vicar is noticed by the bishop as a very competent parish priest and worthy of recognition of the fact, the Bishop of the diocese can appoint him or her as a Canon. (In some dioceses canons are historically called 'Prebendaries' but the role is the same). Canons are still 'vicars' and can still be called 'Reverend' but usually they use the title Canon as it reflects the honour bestowed upon them. Canons occupy a seat in the cathedral chapter (group of clergy running the cathedral that meets in the Chapter House), and are allowed to take part in Cathedral business unually being expected to preach once a year in the Cathedral in return. Once a canon has been appointed to a particular seat then he is a canon until he retires or moves away from the diocese,when the seat becomes free for another to be appointed. However, he or she can still hold the title 'canon' as an honorary one until he or she dies, although he or she may not be involved in decision making at the cathedral.