Your answers
The figure in best barbecue garb approached; huge hairy
arms offered me the chalice. Sandals did not conceal socks ringed
in more than all the colours of the rainbow. Is this justified
because half the congregation is similarly dressed? Is any
direction given to those licensed to assist at
communion?
A dress code for a lay eucharistic assistant is outside the
purview of canon law or rubrical directions. It is only possible to
offer some reflections in support of the view that those who assist
the distribution of holy communion at the eucharist should be
dressed in ordinary lay person's attire.
Theirs is a lay ministry from within the congregation: this is
made clear when a lay minister comes from the pews, and, having
administered communion in the sanctuary, rejoins the congregation
for the post-communion. Ordinary dress sends out the correct
signal: the minister, as the laity's representative, is identified
and identifiable with them.
More tantalising is the question what will be regarded as
acceptably appropriate dress to be worn while administering the
sacrament. There will be a host of views, but the size of the
church, the style of worship, and local custom all need to be taken
into account.
In the questioner's experience, surprising and unusual as it
was, the principle of representative identification was boldly but
justifiably demonstrated. Informal dress, even when it is unusual,
need not signify irreverence.
(Canon) Terry Palmer
Magor, Monmouthshire
We should be careful of adopting too strict an approach. Turning
our nose up at shorts and sandals could be interpreted as
Pharisaical. But good order is important, too, and I would be
inclined to adopt the approach of my liturgy tutor at college, who,
though partial to shorts, socks, and sandals, recommended that
those ministering in the sanctuary should wear nothing that would
distract the communicants from the sacrament that was being
offered.
(The Revd) Alexander Battey
Old Basing, Basingstoke
I would dress otherwise, but when one reflects that it was Christ
ministering his blood, it hardly seems to matter.
Mark Ashworth, London N21
Your questions
Is there any theological or missional rationale for
moving a diocesan bishop from one diocese to
another? A. G.
Out of the Question, Church Times, 3rd floor, Invicta
House, 108-114 Golden Lane, London EC1Y
0TG. questions@churchtimes.co.uk
