It’s very odd. But then so is every numeral that’s not even. That’s half our stock of numbers. Leaving that aside, we happily embrace a daily temptation or indulgence. It too is very odd. We like dressing up.
Think of soldiers and their uniforms. On ceremonial days – as opposed to days when they are killing or disabling the enemy (or training to do that) – they sport a glittering array of accoutrements. Epaulettes, aiguilettes, braid, sashes, gorgets, bearskins and busbies supplement scrambled egg, pips and varied arrays of buttons. Regimental mascots are fashion accessories. Such inventiveness must make rag trade managers writhe with envy.
So much for the military. Apart from that it does seem that women are the sole customers in the massive fashion trade. While women chase the latest colour shade and the most pricey hand-bag, men limp behind, doing no more than abandon their ties and be so daring as to venture out in shorts and sandals. Where is the masculist campaign to reinstate male self-esteem?
True, men have their gratifying moments, even if it’s only on the stage. Peacock finery from the Tudor or Regency periods gives men the chance to flaunt their doublets and hose or their knee-breeches and waistcoats. And we mustn’t forget law courts. Here men come into their own with wigs, gowns, bands and even more sumptuous outfits if they are high court judges. And women follow suit. Nor must we overlook sportswear. Skis, footballs, big bikes and cricket-balls are tackled by performers in colourful garments that are powerful statements of intent.
But then we come to one aspect of life where dressing up is less than one hundred per cent admirable: public worship. Aside from those traditionalists who are at home with gorgeous garments and headgear, magnificently embroidered copes and mitres and even hum-drum Canterbury caps, surplices and university hoods, there is a notable tendency to eschew the practice of dressing up to lead worship on a Sunday. This is part of a tendency to erase the distinction between ordained and lay. A vicar today must expect to be known as a Man U or Newcastle supporter and whether time is found for bee-keeping, learning Mandarin or model railways. Skills and discrimination in choosing such major elements of worship as hymns are unlikely parts of a vicar’s personality to attract inquiry.
The renunciation of formal attire is part of a shift from emphasising the office or function of an incumbent to prizing aspects of personality. This is more akin to the style of USA evangelists whom we see on television and who have much in common with high-visibility entertainers.
We like dressing up. But many of us don’t like clergy dressing up. I repeat; it’s very odd.
LOVING LUNDY
Believe it or not, Lundy is a busy place in the summer. Well, somewhat. There may be as many as 200 people on this island, shaped like a flat-topped loaf of bread, in the Bristol Channel at any one time. There are 23 holiday properties and also camp-sites. Constantine’s mother is remembered in St Helen’s parish church, with one resident churchwarden in the parish and a welcome for visiting clergy who may be able to conduct services. There is an ambitious project afoot to improve the parish church, which comes under the care of the Revd Jane Skinner, Rector of the Hartland Coast Mission Community.
MEANWHILE, IN LYON
English-speaking worshippers in Lyon are likely to find their way to Holy Trinity church, where they will find a thriving congregation and meet the chaplain, Ben Harding. Originally from Devon, Ben worked with UNESCO in Paris, served on ocean racing yachts and met and married his wife Jo in Paris. He is keen to discover more about the history of Holy Trinity during WW2. He is interviewed on the church website.
THYME TRACKER
In the southern tip of the Isle of Man Joe Heaton, Vicar of Rushen, in charge of the four churches of the Southern mission partnership, has brought into being ‘a friendly tool of time management for the clergy’ by the name of Thyme Tracker.
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