Historically, the Universal Christian Church
disposed since ancient times that Ordained clergy should wear their distinct
robes at all times, which should not be confused with “Liturgical Robes”, which
only are worn for liturgical celebrations. Thus was ordered and binding for the
Universal Church according to Canon 27, Quinisext Council of 692 CE:
“None
of those who are in the catalogue of the clergy shall wear clothes unsuited to
them, either while still living in town or when on a journey: but they shall wear such clothes as are
assigned to those who belong to the clergy.
And if any one shall violate this canon, he shall be cut off for one
week.”
Since then, attitudes have changed and Churches
have developed their own regulations, some affirming, some modifying and some
eliminating totally this rule. This reflects different opinions and approaches
as much from the laity as from the clergy themselves. The decision is not easy
because it touches deeply the sensitivity of entire congregations one way or
another, and deep reflection and reason is needed under the Word of God to make
the right decision.
THE
CASSOCK
The ministerial cassock, putting aside any
medieval superstition, it is a clerical uniform that identifies an ordained
minister before society and public life. To wear a cassock, or any other form
of distinctive clerical robe, identifies the person who wears it with the job
it does in service of society and the Church, very much as a policeman, a nurse
or a soldier could be identified by their uniforms. However, even policemen,
nurses and soldiers do not exercise their occupations 24 hours a day, so during
their private times they do not wear their uniforms. But those are jobs,
Christian Ordained Ministry is more than a “job”; it is a life-time vocation.
TWO
DIFFERENT VIEWS
To wear a cassock protects the Presbyter against
temptation, internal and external.
Internally, clerical robes remind the Minister
that he is God’s servant, and a Shepherd of souls. His actions and words are
observed by many to be followed as example of holiness and as official representative
of the Church. This infuses in the Minister, a sense of caution and sobriety of
behaviour at all times.
Externally, to be easily identifiable as Man of
God, would cause that many people who otherwise would come to him with evil
offerings and intentions, will refrain from doing so, reducing thus the danger
of exposure to the secular world.
Another side of the dilemma is that a parish
priest must not be estranged from his own parish community, but be part of it. To
wear a cassock at all times, could create a certain distance between him and
his parishioners, making it difficult to mingle and share their lives,
especially when the Priest is married, has children and lives under the
financial care of the local community. A Minister that wears a cassock while at
church grounds or performing religious duties and wears common clothes during
his private life or at home, could easily be seen as another member of the
parish and accepted as a spiritual shepherd as well as fellow brother of the
community, giving a closer and more realistic image to society.
CONCLUSION
To wear or not wear a cassock is almost a moral
dilemma more than canonical. It really affects deeply the physique of all
involved, one way or another.
Theologically speaking, the powers of Ordination
do not depend at all from the clothes a Minister wears. Every sacred duty and
sacrament a Priest celebrates, even the Eucharist, is valid and effective in
essence, whether it is done with liturgical Chasuble, Stole, Phelonion,
Epitrachelion or in a business shirt. The
issue is entirely canonical.
Each ecclesiastical body should decide over this
matter according to the sensitivity of the local community the Presbyter
serves. To enforce one way or another in all cases, is proven to be unrealistic
and problematic. Both manners can bring positive results if carried out with
common sense according to the local circumstances.
But whether a parish Minister wears or not a
cassock at all times, does not diminishes at all his spiritual status as an
Ordained Minister of God.
IMPORTANT
NOTE: This only applies to Diocesan Presbyters.
Presbyters who are monks or members of religious orders, or Hieromonks, must
without exception wear their respective religious robes in full at all times.
Omar Flores.
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