Letter to the editor: Vestments add to 'holiness' of worship, except the chasuble

Notes: "I had to shudder when I read John Longhurst's article 'Anglicans or aliens ?' [Jan. 2018, p. 3] in which he stated that vestments may make people wearing them look 'alien and disconnected from modern-day life'. Those who lead the services at our Anglican churches (priest, deacon or lay reader) have been called by God. Deuteronomy 14:2 (NLT) says: 'You have been set apart as holy to the Lord God' and Leviticus 20:26b says: 'I have set you apart from all other people', and that is what our vestments do. Yes, vestments should be work by those who have dedicated themselves to God and his work. To me, a surplice and a cassock, or an alb, add to the 'holiness' of our worship, and we should be worshipping God in the spirit of holiness. On the other hand, a chasuble is far too pretentious and only says: 'Look at how good I am !' 'I am a big shot !' Let's put all our clergy on the same level -- get rid of the chasuble -- humble yourself before the Lord". [Text of entire article.]

Subjects: Church vestments - Anglican Church of Canada; Worship - Anglican Church of Canada; Chasubles - Anglican Church of Canada