Non Clergy, wearing Clergy Tartan?

**Joseph** · 30th July 14, 10:43 AM

What is the veiw of non clergy wearing a clergy tartan? I am not ordained. I am a devout Christian. My wife and I are actively involved in mutiple ministries. I have no issue with being identified in connection with the Faith in any way. I have no issues talking to people about Jesus, answering questions about Biblical Faith, and no issues praying with people on request. I am not ashamed of the Gospel. I also have no quarrell assisting other ministers in ministry tasks. In fact in my daily walk as well as at Festivals I am always hoping God will open an opprotunity for me to be useful.

I was concidering ordering a clergy tartan kilt for myself, and a clergy kilted skirt for my wife. She may warm up a little to the idea of kilt type activities if she believes there is a ministry related statement involved. I'm not trying to manipulate my wife. I just know she may be receptive to the idea, and we've both discussed that the tartan looks appealing.

However I do not want to dishonor anyone who has taken the extra step of ordination if this tartan is kind of reserved just for them.

**Father Bill** · 30th July 14, 10:48 AM

Your surname wouldn't happen to be either "Clark" or "Clarke," now would it?

**rlloyd** · 30th July 14, 10:56 AM

Every Christian denomination has a different idea of what "clergy" is, and a large part of Protestant denominations don't even use the word "clergy" at all. In fact, not all even have formal ordination. Not to get into religious doctrine, but as you are a minister - in that you are involved in ministry - and there is no "Minister" tartan, I say go for it!

**Joseph** · 30th July 14, 11:29 AM

No Father Bill. Joseph Thornton, origanaly from Mississippi. Spent 35 years in MS / LA before moving to Colorado 2 years ago.

Thanks for the reply rlloyd. I am a protestant. I have many ordained freinds, but we are not all called to preach or to lead in the same way. It takes a special call on your life to step up the to mantle of Pastor, Preist, Reverend, Rabbi, ect (thanks Father Bill and others for sacrificing a large portion of your lives to the devotion of God and his people). And to this point in my life, though I serve, I have not been called to that role.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 30th July 14, 11:40 AM

I believe that @Father Bill was trying to point out that the clergy tartan is actually the Clark tartan, not something specifically developed for clergy. At least that is my recollection.

**MacRobert's Reply** · 30th July 14, 11:45 AM

There is no rule that prevents a person from wearing almost any tartan, and the clergy tartans are not restricted. However, by custom, practice and convention they are only worn by clergy (clerks in holy orders) by whatever name (priests, presbiters, ministers, pastors etc.). Will anyone know that it's clergy tartan? Very few unless you tell them. Will anyone care? Again, very few. However, if you are asked what the tartan is you may need to have an explanation ready.

**Joseph** · 30th July 14, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by KiltedCodeWarrior

I believe that @Father Bill was trying to point out that the clergy tartan is actually the Clark tartan, not something specifically developed for clergy. At least that is my recollection.

As a simple man I ask simple questions, and understand honest answers. I'm not down with all the jargon, lingo, terms, and traditions. So I took Father Bill's question literally. I wouldnt know anything about Clark tartans or thier affiliation with Faith. I just like to wear kilts.

**rlloyd** · 30th July 14, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by Joseph

No Father Bill. Joseph Thornton, origanaly from Mississippi. Spent 35 years in MS / LA before moving to Colorado 2 years ago.

Thanks for the reply rlloyd. I am a protestant. I have many ordained friends, but we are not all called to preach or to lead in the same way. It takes a special call on your life to step up the to mantle of Pastor, Priest, Reverend, Rabbi, ect (thanks Father Bill and others for sacrificing a large portion of your lives to the devotion of God and his people). And to this point in my life, though I serve, I have not been called to that role.

Speaking as an ordained minister, I, personally, would hold no issue whatsoever with any of my fellow laborers in Christ wearing the tartan. :mrgreen:

**Alan H** · 30th July 14, 01:09 PM

Joseph, here's a straight answer.

The tartan is also associated with the family name "Clark" or "Clarke". Honest truth is that while I really like the tartan, I don't know how the association with the clergy came about, but I'm sure that someone here, does.

Here's some more straight talk. IF YOU LIKE IT, WEAR IT. Period. You won't offend anybody, and if by some stupendous, monstrous, ridiculous reason you do offend someone, it's them that's off their rocker, not you.

cheers.

**plaid preacher** · 30th July 14, 01:12 PM

Joseph, as others have pointed out there are "associations" to wearing tartans , but as has been said in other threads on this forum, there are also folks who wear tartans to honour others, and that is usually warmly received. I take your question to be a reflection of this latter thought.

But I would also point out that some denominations and other religious organizations also have tartans, that would also allow you to honour your ministry without being "mistaken" as a member of the ordained clergy.