If you're reading this, then I ask for your feedback. Read on.
Despite warnings about negative stereotypes from my denominational leaders, I keep thinking about clergy collars. Specifically, I keep thinking about what it would be like if I wore a clergy collar.
Two objections stand out. First, some worry about the negative stereotype now associated with Roman Catholic priests because of the clergy sex abuse scandal. This is certainly a serious concern to take into account, but the fact remains that clergy of many denominational and religious backgrounds have sexually abused people. Roman Catholic priests simply have the misfortune of being visibly recognizable by their clothing. However, Fr. Richard John Neuhaus has consistently renounced that position as "wimpish." His argument is, in short, does one bad apple run the whole barrel?
The second objection is a far more Protestant problem. Some assume the collar-wearer is putting on a "holier-than-thou" attitude. Among some Protestants - particularly evangelicals - any hint of "priestly" behavior by the pastor, et al. destroys the priesthood of all believers. In other words, if this one person mediates between us and God, then we can't mediate between one another and God.
This argument is absurd. For one, few put the collar on to put on airs. For most, it's a humbling experience, a public means of accountability. Some pastors are presented with opportunities for Christian witness and ministry they would never have been offered (yes, offered) had they simply worn street clothes. They are visually reminded of their calling not only as a Christian but also as a Christian leader. Priesthood of believers or not, we all know that Christian leaders are in the public eye far more than any layperson. On that note, any priestly act I may take, such as presiding over the Eucharist, in no way negates the ability of another Christian hearing the confession of a fellow saint and voicing Christ's words of forgiveness.
I've had many conversations about collars with young clergy and clergy-to-be over the last few months. Most like the idea of wearing a collar. One friend has noted the need for Christians to reclaim our symbols which have fallen into misuse, rather than abandoning those symbols altogether.
That said, I would love to hear feedback from my readers on this matter. I value all your comments but especially want to hear from those who are not clergy. How would you respond to your pastor wearing a collar? Your comments are a ministry to me. You see - the priesthood of all believers!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
"Unapproachable" is the word that comes to mind when I think about the collar. Sorry.
Sally
Hi, enjoyed reading your blog. Lots of good stuff!
Some questions before you go ahead and collar yourself:
1. Did Jesus have a collar – or any other item of clothing that displayed his religiosity?
2. Under the New Covenant can you find any justification for priestly garments?
3. The very name itself: ‘clerical collar’ suggests a ‘clergy’ [read priesthood] and a ‘laity’. Do you believe in a separation between clergy and laity [as indicated in clerical garments]?
4. Why do you need an outward symbol of your spirituality?
5. Given that many Americans associate a collar wearing cleric with all manner of evils such as child abuse – hasn’t it lost its power [whatever it had], and does it not invite [in some cases] cynicism and ridicule?
6. Do you wish to take with the collar the title [which Scripture only affords of God] - ‘Reverend’?
Regards,
Gordon
neobaptist.com
1. Did Jesus have a collar – or any other item of clothing that displayed his religiosity?
Perhaps not, but he did do things that certainly displayed it: riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, fighting with the Pharisees for the right to interpret Torah, etc. Also, I'm guessing that he probably didn't look all that different from the other traveling religious folks who were traveling around, hence Herod's suspicion that he was John the Baptist reincarnated.
2. Under the New Covenant can you find any justification for priestly garments?
This boils down to how we interpret scripture. Do we assume that anything not specifically mentioned in scripture is up for debate based on scriptural principles, or is it forbidden because it is not explicitly allowed.
3. The very name itself: 'clerical collar' suggests a 'clergy' [read priesthood] and a 'laity'. Do you believe in a separation between clergy and laity [as indicated in clerical garments]?
Yes, I do believe in a separation between clergy and laity, not because they are inherently different as humans, but because God has called the clergy to be set apart for the specific work of shepherding his people. God has set apart judges, prophets, priests, kings, teachers, preachers, etc. And this justification and pattern come from the OT and the NT. We see it in Aaron and the Levites, in Deborah and Gideon, Nathan and Isaiah, David and Josiah. And then we see it every time Paul names the people he is thankful for at the end of his letters, and every time he lists spiritual gifts. We see it in Jesus choosing 12 disciples out of the throngs who followed him. God consecrates people for his work.
5. Given that many Americans associate a collar wearing cleric with all manner of evils such as child abuse – hasn't it lost its power [whatever it had], and does it not invite [in some cases] cynicism and ridicule?
When things are good, it is our job to reclaim them for God and for good, to redefine things and teach people about them. We are not to give up everything that is good simply because it can be abused. If that were the case, we would have gotten rid of the church after the crusades and the televangelist scandals. Not to mention, since when do we assume that the Christian life will be one free from ridicule? Even if I want to be a typical baptist who likes to forget church history, since when was Jesus free from ridicule, or Paul, Timothy, Peter, etc, etc.?
I'm a FM pastor. God has been dealing with me about the clerical collar. I'm 50 years old, so much younger than you. I'm not sure what I will do. I think if you approach it from a personal conviction aspect, your denominational leaders will understand. I'm to the point in my ministry where I do as God leads. I think if you are person of conviction and genuinely feel that the Lord is leading you to wear the collar, your denominational leaders will respect that.
I have been led to wear it (haven't done it yet), and am waiting for the right time. I can respect the other opinions posted on here. I don't agree with them necessarily.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.
Danielle, thanks.
Gene, thanks for giving us an "on the ground" response.
Rather than clog up the comments with my own response, I'll post a reply on the blog itself. My response mainly addresses "editor's" questions. Thank you, Gordon (editor), for your thoughtful questions. I suspect, however, that we have some fundamental disagreements as a Methodist and a Baptist. But see my posted response.
hijadegracia - I think linking Jesus on the donkey to the wearing of a clerical collar gets you in the running real early for the 2008 Drawing a Long Bow Award! :)
On point 2: how you interpret Scripture shouldn’t make too much of a difference on pivotal issues such as the New Covenant. Jesus is either the only mediator [because of his once for sacrifice] or the Old Covenant still applies. There's not too much to nuance on the old vs new issue regardless of your denomination.
Point 3: given that you believe in a separation between clergy and laity, why should that be visibly demonstrated? Is this not an issue of pride and pomp?
Point 5: my point [poorly made] is simply that the collar is an outward demonstration of spirituality. As are many other things [Christian bumper stickers come to mind]. If a 'clergy' is 'clothed with Christ' is there any need for an outward symbol which may or may not reflect an inner reality?
I am a military chaplain and despite being issued with a ridiculous Geneva gown [which comes in handy for Dracula parties], cassock [has my wife and kids in fits of laughter] and various dog collars etc, I strike an agreement with my Commanding Officers that I can exercise my personal conscience and not wear anything except an alb over my uniform.
My soldiers respond very well to me doing this, and I detect a fair amount of incredulity towards chaplains who dress up in all their regalia.
My soldiers need to know my character and build trust before they share vulnerable things with me. No outward attire will do that for me in an Australian context where the church has such a credibility crisis due to abuse and corrupt clergy.
Casey I couldn't care less about the tag 'Baptist', this is just the part of the vineyard God has called me. Looking forward to your next posting on the topic.
Hi, I know that I'm a little late to the conversation but I wrote something on this topic a little while ago that's relevant. http://www.fbcgh.net/wordpress/archives/8
I am a Free Methodist chaplain at a United States Penitentiary. Wearing a collar is all about personal conviction, I have worn them, I personally like them, but the responses I get from people vary, mostly people think I am a priest, and when I tell them I am not, they look at me weird. Protestants who converted from catholicism can not understand why I would want to be wear something that would identify me with Rome, and yet others think it is a badge of honor. I don't wear them all that much any longer because of where I am located now (Kentucky) I wear a large cross lapel pin instead. Again, I enjoyed wearing them and have six in closet, but it created a funky tension with people and made me feel like a wanna be priest. People would say i did not you were a priest, and I would say I am not, and they would give me a look of "How dare I" a UMC Chaplain friend of mine wears one and has been called a "fake a-- priest" on some occasions.
For the record I have seen two FMC North America leaders wear them, one is current Bishop, and many Bishops outside of North America wear one. I believe your a FMC, right? Wear one if it is your conviction, go with God always.
Casey, I am so encouraged to see someone my age struggle with this issue as well. As I approach ordination in less than a year, the question as to if I wear the collar is increasing. I am from the Nazarene tradition (John Wesley rooted). NO ONE, that I know of, wears a collar. Any advice?
After 3+ months in a new ministry context as a United Methodist pastor in rural Illinois, I have some new insights.
Context is everything, Amy.
I've worn a collar on occasion - funerals, nursing home visits, hospitals. A collar will get you quick "access" in those places.
But I've really questioned the signals I may be sending to outsiders, i.e. non-xians or those who have detached from the Church. I don't wear my collar around town. I've speculated that when I'm in a context that I need to stand out as clergy - school boards and other political events - it would benefit me.
On a practical note: get the Roman style tabbed collars. The shirts come in more colors and the tabs are FAR easier to put on than the whole neck collar.
blessings on your ministry!
Post a Comment