What do you call a female priest?

In various religious traditions, the title given to a female priest may vary depending on the denomination and the specific context in which the term is used. The term used to refer to a female priest often reflects the theological beliefs, cultural norms, and practices of the particular religious tradition. Let's explore some of the terms used to refer to a female priest in different religious traditions:

Priestess: In some pagan or polytheistic traditions, a female priest may be referred to as a priestess. This term is commonly used to denote a woman who performs religious rituals, ceremonies, and practices within a specific polytheistic or nature-based belief system. Priestesses may serve as spiritual leaders, mediators between humans and the divine, or caretakers of sacred traditions and practices.

Reverend: In Protestant Christian denominations, both male and female clergy members are commonly referred to as Reverend. This title is used as a form of address for ordained ministers, pastors, or priests within Protestant churches. The term Reverend is a respectful title that recognizes the authority and spiritual leadership of the individual in their role as a clergy member.

Pastor: In some Protestant denominations, female clergy may hold the title of Pastor. Pastors are ordained ministers who provide pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and leadership within a church or religious community. The title of Pastor is used to denote the individual's role as a shepherd and spiritual leader, responsible for the care and well-being of their congregation.

Priest: In certain Christian denominations, both male and female clergy members are referred to as priests. This title is commonly used in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions to designate ordained ministers who preside over sacraments, lead worship services, and provide spiritual guidance to their congregations. The term Priest carries with it a sense of authority, holiness, and consecration within the Christian priesthood.

Rector: In some Anglican and Episcopal churches, the clergy member who serves as the head of a parish or congregation may hold the title of Rector. Female clergy members who serve in this role are addressed as Rector, which denotes their position as the spiritual leader and administrative head of the church community. The title of Rector carries with it a sense of responsibility, authority, and pastoral care.

Whether she is called Priestess, Revered, Pastor, Priest, or Rector, the title signifies her role as a spiritual leader, minister, and servant of her faith community. Female priests play a vital role in providing pastoral care, leading worship, and nurturing the spiritual life of their congregations, embodying the values of compassion, service, and faith in their ministry.