The Collar
Every Bishop, Priest and Deacon that know have been asked, “Why do you wear that collar and what does it represent?” It is the clergy streetwear of their office. It is a stiff white collar worn back-to-front by Episcopal, Roman Catholic and Lutheran ministers as well some other denominations. In America, it is commonly called a clerical collar and sometimes by the nickname of a “dog collar.”
An explanation of its origin is that it is a stylized form of the white neckband or stock which was the fashion for all men from the sixteenth century up into the early eighteen hundreds. It is said that as early as 1833 the conservative leaders of the Anglican Oxford Movement wanted to distinguish the appearance of the clergy from that of the laity, so they modified the “stock” to the present-day collar. They would also wear black coats.1
The collar comes in two different styles. One is an all-white plastic or cloth Anglican collar or the Roman style of a black cloth collar with a short white insert in the front. Either style can be worn by Bishops, Priests and Deacons.
When I was in seminary, we worked as chaplains in a hospital for our clinical pastoral education (CPE). We had to put a black vertical stripe in the front of the collar, which, I supposed, really meant “beware, student driver.” I was once asked, “Why did I hide behind that collar?” I can tell you that we do not hide. Quite the opposite. It states that we are a minister of the Gospel. We are there to represent the church and our Lord Jesus Christ and to be of assistance to those in need.
To wear this collar is a real honor and privilege. It does not make the wearer any better than anyone else. It just shows that we are trained and willing to help and to do the best we can to help represent Jesus Christ in the world.
And while some of us wear a collar, all of us are called to represent Jesus. Matthew 5:14-16 tells us: “Let your light shine do not hide it.” So, go out into the world and be a good example of the Christian faith to those around you. Let your light shine!
Let us pray: Bless, we beseech thee, O Lord, the clergy of this parish, and strengthen them with thy heavenly grace, May they be diligent in prayer and in the study of thy holy Word, that by wise counsel and good example they may guide thy people committed to their charge, and labour with unwearied zeal for the extension of thy kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.2
1 “The Episcopalian’s Dictionary,” Seabury Press, pages. 42-43.
2 “Prayers for Every Occasion,” F. Colquhoun Morehouse Barlow, page. 341, #1430.
