Did you see the story about the mayor who turned up at a public event, a formal ceremony for royal marines wearing shorts, trainers and a floral shirt? My friend, Steve Kneale, has shared his reflections here and I agree with much he says, though I’m perhaps less bothered about whether mayoral roles should exist. I’ve got a few further reflections to add to Steve’s so here goes.
- If everything is casual then that takes away from the significance of others’ statements. Remember when President Zelenski went to the White House, not wearing a suit. I agreed with that decision. It was an important, visual statement that his country was at war. However, if no-one war suits at the White House and Trump and Vance were chillaxing with their feet up in the Oval Office wearing jeans or golfing attire then the symbolism would have been lost.
- It risks conveying something else about the person and their attitude. Often when you hear about these dress down decisions (remember Speaker Bercow), there is an underpinning message which is that the person sees themselves as able to save and preserve the role, its about them and their personality. The reality is that it wasn’t “Tom Buckley” who was required for the ceremony and he wasn’t there for his whit, charm, good looks or whatever. It was the mayor who was required.
- It’s counter-productive. This relates to Steve Kneale’s main point that context is king. Like Steve’s church, our church culture is very much dress down and I agree strongly with that. A couple of months ago, we had a child’s dedication/thanksgiving service. Talking to his parents I realised that there would be extended family and friends who had expectations about the event. They would all be suited and booted. So, that’s what I did too as did the other elder present. If you are playing the maverick, choosing to reject norms and conventions and so dressing differently to everyone else there, then you re announcing your difference and specialness. You are not being relatable to them.
- Specifically for pastors and preachers, our aim should be to not stand out for our clothing choice. We don’t want to be centre of attention, rather we want to be les visible so that Christ and the Gospel take centre stage.
Faithroots 