Archbishop appeals for the proper attire in church

The Church in Malta has appealed for modesty in dress and to respect the holiness and dignity of churches.

The Archbishop, Mgr Joseph Mercieca, said in a circular that Church authorities have noted that in certain occasions, such as weddings and feasts, some go to church in attire which does not respect the dignity which the house of God deserves. In certain cases the way some are dressed does not even respect Christian modesty.

In the circular, the archbishop appealed to parents, catechists and teachers among others who can influence public opinion to educate people on modesty in dress according to the environment to be frequented.

The circular also appealed to parish priests and church rectors to regulate entrance and behaviour in churches. Those doing this would be giving a service to the Christian community by prudently, but firmly, preventing people who are not properly dressed from entering churches.

The Church authorities are also urging parish priests and those involved in the preparation of couples for marriage, to remind them that the clothes worn by them and others attending the marriage celebration should respect Christian modesty.

Couples should also be advised that failure to dress properly could create serious consequences.