After centuries of wearing flowing robes, cassocks and other vestments, Anglican priests can finally dress down.<\/p>\n
Under canon law, clergy have to wear traditional robes when holding Communion services, baptisms, weddings or funerals. But following a vote this week at a gathering in York of the General Synod, the Church of England\u2019s ruling body, Anglican priests can now wear lay garments such as a suit instead, so long as their parochial church council agrees.<\/p>\n
The reasons given for the change included a more informal outlook in British society as a whole, but there is particular concern about young people being alienated by ornate accoutrements. One member of the Archbishop’s Council \u2014 the archbishop of Canterbury\u2019s cabinet \u2014 also wants the abolition of bishops\u2019 miters.<\/p>\n