A modest proposal

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jul 3, 2004 by Phil Anderson Capital-Journal

PHOTOS BY PHIL ANDERSON/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Sasha Greer, from left, Tiffany Brant and Samantha Bradley, all 14, discuss proper attire after Sunday services at Town and Country Christian Church, 4925 S.W. 29th.

Eric Dwyer, 19, and Jessica Wright, 16, agree that clothing shouldn't be a big deal, but that people should dress modestly when coming to church. Both attend Town and Country Christian Church.

Una Henry,says clothing is a factor, but shouldn't be over- emphasized for those coming to worship.

EYE ON APPAREL

What others are saying about appropriate clothing in church:

"If you wear revealing clothes, people kind of give you a funny look. If you wear pants that go too low or shirts that come too high, people look down on you. They think differently of you."

--- Samantha Bradley, 14

"You have to think about what the older people think. Because if they see you walking in with this really funky get-up, it's going to be interesting."

--- Tiffany Brant, 14

"I don't think people mean anything degrading if they disapprove of your clothing. I think it's more watching out for what you're wearing and making sure that it isn't offending someone."

--- Sasha Greer, 14

Comments from youths after Sunday services at Town and Country Christian Church,

4925 S.W. 29th.

Proper clothing an issue as weather warms up

By Phil Anderson

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Church is a "pray ground," not a "play ground," and summer clothing should show respect for God and others, a Topeka priest told his congregation in a recent newsletter.

The Rev. Frank Krische, pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 S.W. 17th, reminded his parishioners in a brief article to be mindful of what they wear to services.

Krische acknowledged that society "has become very casual," but said certain standards need to be in place for clothing worn to church.

"Please, no bare shoulders or bare midriffs for the ladies, and no tank tops or muscle shirts for the men," he wrote. "Short shorts or short skirts can be a source of scandal for others. Parents, be aware of your children's attire."

While many congregations still have members who dress up, some clergy in Topeka said clothing has taken on a much more casual flair in recent years.

The Rev. Paul LeDuc, pastor of Seaman Congregational United Church of Christ, 2036 N.W. Taylor, said he recalled a time when "women wore dresses and hats to church and men wore suits and ties."

Now, he said, most people come to his church dressed far more casually. Only a few men wear suits and ties anymore, LeDuc said: "There's definitely a generation gap there."

In spite of shorts and flip-flops replacing slacks and dress shoes for some church attendees, LeDuc said he hasn't had to raise the issue of attire with his congregation, because the clothing has been appropriate to date.

The Rev. Jim Stady, pastor of South Knollwood Baptist Church, 1813 S.W. 29th, said members of his congregation have exercised good judgment regarding clothing choices.

While some teens may wear shorts to Sunday night services, members abide by the biblical admonition to be "modest" in their clothing, Stady noted.

"I think our people have a respect for God and for God's house," Stady said. "We feel the church is different than going to a ball game, and we want to reverence God with appropriate clothing."

Some congregations, particularly those that cater to a younger audience, downplay the clothing issue.

The idea is to get people into church regardless of their clothing preference.

David Logsdon, youth minister at Town and Country Christian Church, 4925 S.W. 29th, said some people continue to wear suits and ties, but the overall move has been toward a far more casual look.

"I think that's where the church is going," Logsdon said. "I think if we tell people they have to dress up before they come, we're kind of sending them the wrong message."

Jessica Wright, 16, a member of Town and Country Christian Church, said she believed girls in the congregation dress modestly, and that the topic of appropriate clothing hasn't been a major issue.

Wright added that if inappropriate clothing were worn to church, a youth sponsor or another teen would probably pull the offending party aside and encourage a more modest appearance.

For Eric Dwyer, 19, clothing can range from buttoned shirts and jeans to suits and ties. However, he said, he and other church members lean toward a less formal appearance.

"There's definitely no dress code to worship God," Dwyer said. "But anything that's distracting --- anything that puts attention on yourself --- that definitely has to go."

Phil Anderson can be reached at (785) 295-1195 or phil.anderson@cjonline.com.

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JULY 3, 2004

SUMMER ATTIRE