Authentic Church II: Dog Collars and Jeans

The clothing that we are familiar with a Vicar, Father or other Reverend is not something stipulated by God, so if we are to be fully authentic should the clergy do away with any apparel that makes them look different. The history of the garb I will not bore you with aside to say that the Dog Collar originates from the Protestant origins personified by John Wesley who purportedly wore black and chose a white sweatband (cravat) to wear around their necks for the purpose of riding on horseback. Further, let us remember that the Protestant church arose from those who challenged the traditions and trappings of the Catholic church in a concerted effort to become more authentic.

In Acts we read about Barnabas and Saul being "set apart" by the Holy Spirit to serve as apostles, and Paul occasionally talks about being "set apart" to serve the Gospel. So perhaps looking different is a good thing for clergy, and modestly wearing clothing that marks them as a person set apart to serve God (and sometimes makes them a target for the wrath of humanity) is a good thing? 

My personal experience of this was when I attended a Mental Health facility to minister to a friend, as was my custom I wore a clerical shirt and collar. I was immediately called upon to minister to others at their request once I had entered the secure ward, culminating in a prayer group of some eight patients. I also got into a long discussion with someone who professed to be a devil-worshipper, I can only hope my ministry to that troubled individual made some positive different to his existence.

But what has all this preamble got to do with Authentic Church? I have met many Anglican Vicars, whilst striving to become relevant and up-to-date who treat the Dog Collar with disdain. Ridiculing it or discarding it dramatically in front of their "flock." Who chose to wear anything as they serve at the front of the church and rarely are seen wearing such garb in public (are they a new breed of stealth Vicars?). I cringe and sometimes react angrily when I see such a display in the name of being relevant, or in attempt not to alienate the world. 

Clothes make a man, or more appropriately "the apparel oft proclaims the man" as said by Polonius from Shakespeare's Hamlet. By identifying with a particular form of dress, namely the Dog Collar, one proclaims (not in an arrogant or boastful way - although Paul did make some effort to boast, appropriately) the they are "set apart", they become a refuge or a target. After all a city on a hill is not hidden, and we are taught not to hide our light under a bushel! I believe vestments and all that clerical garb should be discarded completely from church as this is going too far, but I don't think it matters if you are wearing jeans or a hula-skirt (though one should take some care in showing respect for the congregation), as long as one associates oneself with the calling that one has received.

So for me, I like to see a Minister, Vicar, Reverend wearing their badge of office associating them with the church and the God that they serve. Like the Salvationists they should wear their uniform with humble pride, after all where would we be if we couldn't recognise a police officer, or more importantly a traffic warden!