Questions

Question first appeared on September 10, 2006
Since I haven’t received any new questions for several weeks, and with the start of our fall schedule with everyone back from vacation, I am taking the time to once again address the issue of proper attire and dress at worship services.

The underlying principle regarding proper attire in Church during worship services is to realize that you are in the presence of God and His Kingdom established by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Just as you wouldn’t dress improperly to enter the presence of a King or Queen in their palace or the President of the United States in the White House, you shouldn’t dress improperly for Church.

I hate to single out women and young girls who are beginning to develop, but you are the worst offenders. Wearing tops that reveal shoulders or that have plunging necklines revealing something else is unacceptable. Wearing skirts that show too much thigh is unacceptable. Even skirts that cover the knees become unacceptable when you sit down and the skirt rides up.

Men! I know that it isn’t fashionable any more and casual is in, but nothing shows more respect in coming to Church than wearing a coat and tie. You wear them when go to job interviews and wanting to impress someone. Why not to Church?

Everyone!! Just remember where you are when you are in Church and use common sense.

©Very Rev. Fr. Olof Scott, Sunday Bulletin, September 10, 2006

Question first appeared on October 13, 2002
Would you please comment on the proper attire for attending church services?

Let us first consider Sunday, the Lord=s Day. This is the most important day of the week! The answer to your question is common sense when we contemplate the reason why we come to church in the first place.

We gather together as the Body of Christ to glorify and worship God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to be united to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the ultimate sacrament of Holy Communion. We are not there to draw attention to ourselves.

Our attire should be better than what we wear during the rest of the week. It must be neat and clean and, above all, it must be modest, reflecting our humility as we stand before God.

There are two extremes that must be avoided at all costs: over-dressing and under-dressing. Women should avoid dressing excessively, striving for the height of fashion. They should also avoid anything that heightens sexual attraction: short hemlines, plunging necklines, tight-fitting clothing that reveals too much, etc. Excessive use of make-up, perfume and jewelry, along with extravagant adornment of hair, is also distractive and should be avoided.

Men should strive to look their best attired in a suit or in a sport coat and tie. They, too, must avoid suggestive clothing and excessive jewelry and aftershave or cologne.

For services held during a weekday or in the evening, our attire does not have to measure up to Sunday standards. It should, however, be neat, clean and modest. Sport shirts and trousers for men, and dresses or skirts and blouses for women would be fine.

Finally, unlike some old-fashioned priests, I see nothing wrong with women wearing slacks or a pants suit in colder weather, provided that the cut of the material is modest.