Kilt to church?

[Downunder Kilt]

Oh dear chaps NOW we are getting into religious discussion and I am sure there is something about that in the rules, unless the discussion has turned into a religion free for all, which I hope it has not

[bdkilted]

The discussion is whether it is appropriate to wear a kilt to church. This isn't a discussion on religion, but one has to wonder why the mention of church causes one to start warning others about what they are (or are not) discussing...

[Guthrumironhead]

I attend a Pentecostal Holiness church, when I attend. I doubt you will find a more conservative group than ours. Ive never gone kilted to church, but most members know that I’m a proud descendent of Scots and wear the kilt often elsewhere. Last Christmas I wore the trews to church and everyone was very complimentary, but most wanted to know why I hadn’t worn the kilt! Even in my out of the way corner of eastern NC, people get it.

[kiltedsawyer]

My role as a congregant, as I see it, is to NOT have everyone's attention. .

I very much appreciate this thread as I have wondered about wearing a kilt to church on Christmas Eve. For years we hosted a Christmas party at which I was expected to wear the kilt. We stopped the party several years ago and so I no longer wear the kilt at Christmas, and I miss that. Still, I would not want it to be a distraction at church, so I will have to find another event this time of year.

Cheers,

David

[Father Bill]

For those worried about being a distraction from worship:

You have my absolute appreciation and respect for that point of view, but I don't think it would be a big deal that way. People will see it, remark upon it (silently or aloud) and then move on to the next thing. You'll spend most of your time in a pew where it won't be seen, and after the service. . . well, that's after the service, isn't it. Then it will receive a few compliments and joy while you down your coffee.

Welcome at my churches!

[FossilHunter]

Might as well throw in my bit too.

I regularly wear a kilt at church (Episcopalian). Sometimes I don’t for one reason or another. For funerals I wear a suit.

I have a few thoughts on my own decision to wear a kilt at church which may or may not apply to others.

First, I wear the kilt conservatively, with a shirt and tie, which is often dressier than many people in this area dress for anything. A funny side effect of this is that it has bled into my non-kilted dress. When I wear trousers to church it’s at the same level as my kilted dress.

Second, it is my church. By which I mean that I am a member, I tithe, I volunteer, etc. Not that this gives me a right to do something disrespectful to other parishioners but I think it makes me a little more comfortable dressing in a way others may find a little eccentric. It cuts both ways as well. I tolerate things others wear or do that I am not thrilled with because it’s their church too. As in all families, it’s important to make an effort to reasonably accommodate others. I’ve seen churches torn apart by petty little things but never by parishioners’ clothing choices.

Third, people seem to like it. At least the people willing to comment are always positive about it. This includes the vicar, assistant priests, deacon, and retired bishop in residence. Had the vicar taken me aside when I first started and respectfully pointed out that he felt I was distracting people, I would have stopped. But as it stands, he’s one of the first to ask where my kilt is when I come in suited.

All that said, I would not wear a kilt to a church that I was newly attending or visiting while traveling. All my previous statements are based on personal knowledge of my parish. I think everyone has to use their own judgement for their own unique circumstances as every congregation is different, even within the same denomination.

This was typed on a phone so please forgive grammar errors.

[A Hay]

I worked as a civilian at an Army Base in Germany for many years. I regularly wore a kilt to Sunday Chapel Services. It was non-denominational so we had different chaplains over the course of time. Never heard a discouraging word, but many comments from others. About the only time I did not wear it was for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. With each congregant holding a lighted candle, I didn't want to chance getting wax on the kilt!

Tom

[MikeC]

I have worn a kilt (Black Stewart) to church for Christmas Eve/Day mass several times. The first time I did it i got a quizzical look from the priest, as he is from the UK, but other than that, any comments that i have gotten were positive.

[Rlail]

I'm sure that this question has been beat to death.
I haven't worn my kilt much.
Christmas season is coming up.
At church we have a Christmas Eve night service.
On this special service, most people dress up. For the most part, people are casual/business casual. I normally wear blue jeans with a nice plaid long sleeve shirt.
I texted our pastor the other day about the idea. I have yet to hear back. Just a few weeks ago he preached on crossdressing and alternate life styles, and how it aligns with biblical principles. I let him know some of my heritage and how the kilt is a male garment, and how it is different from a woman's skirt.
We are a non-denominational Bible Church, that leans towards Baptist if it matters.
I want to wear it, but at the same time, I don't want to be a spectacle, and distract others from why we are really there.
No one else has ever worn a kilt to church before (we are part of the original church plant). I'm sure there are some that have Celtic backgrounds, but don't show it.
Thanks for any input.
MarK C

I attend the same kind of church, and it wouldn't be a distraction other than "Cool!"

[Downunder Kilt]

The discussion is whether it is appropriate to wear a kilt to church. This isn't a discussion on religion, but one has to wonder why the mention of church causes one to start warning others about what they are (or are not) discussing...

I made my comment because it started to go towards religion eg. what holiday took precedence over another happily people have removed posts which caused my comment to be made