What do worship leaders wear?
This post comes from the Pilgrim Uniting Church website and was written by Rev Dr Jenny Byrnes for that community. It is published here with Jenny’s permission.
To Robe or not to Robe…?
A recent conversation alerted me to the more familiar practice within the Uniting Church in SA for clergy not to robe for leading worship.
The conversation had me reflecting on why I robe to lead formal worship and the advantages and disadvantages of wearing or not wearing liturgical dress.
The alb (long white gown that the Uniting Church suggests is worn) is representative of the baptismal gown and is appropriate for all members to wear. We could all turn up in white!
The reason why I wear it is both practical and symbolic. It is a strong reminder to me as I lead worship that I am fulfilling a responsibility that is more than me just doing and saying what I like. Rather I am to exercise discernment and leadership that is prepared and offered after reflection and engagement with the issues and concerns of the whole people of God.
I am aware that it is often seen as creating, or reinforcing, a division between people; however for me that distinction is more about a division of roles and responsibilities.
Nevertheless it is experienced as a barrier (reinforcing outdated hierarchical and power issues) with some people and on many occasions when leadership of worship is shared amongst the people it is more appropriate not to be worn.
The more practical reason for wearing the alb is that it ‘blurs’ the individuality of the leader as a personality by covering the clothing. For me it is of assistance so that my personal clothing choices do not impinge on my presentation. I always remember a survey that showed that parishioners were more likely to comment on the dress and appearance of female preachers than they were to comment on the appearance of males. That was certainly my experience in my early ministry.
The Uniting Church suggests that clergy choose whether to wear liturgical dress or not but to always be mindful that the leadership of worship “is no casual task”.
Not surprisingly Pilgrim holds together a diversity of opinion and practice on the matter!
Shalom,
Jenny
