Thursday, August 14, 2008

I wish I could wear clergy shirts

One of the things that really annoys me about being a woman in ministry is clothes.

In my denomination, there is no "clergy dress". We don't wear robes to preach, and we don't wear tabbed shirts at other times. I have to say that I agree with Ken Collins on some of his points about clergy-wear, but don't think my church will see it quite the same way (http://www.kencollins.com/pray-26.htm).

In light of the fact that I can't fall back on "uniform", I have spent the last 18 months trying to work out the right kind of thing to wear when out and about.

Power dressing just doesn't work, its far too much. And while jeans may work for a bible study with a group of teens, its not really appropriate for a hospital visit. Its so much easier for men! There are mens clothes that actually fit in the gap between executive and party-wear. Where is the female version of dress-slacks-and-button-down-shirt-tie-optional??

If I was in a situation where clergy shirts were available, I know where I would get mine: http://www.mariasjodin.com/sv/priest.asp . They are rather beautiful, I think.

But as I am not in that situation, the search will continue. I'm thinking a whole lot of black shirts and tan pants are in order....