My old ward was a small one with a not particularly large priesthood, so as a priest I’d be blessing the sarcrament pretty much every week.

Without wanting to have to actually talk to anyone about little transgressions (anyone other than god) I’d go to church wearing a blue shirt on the weeks I didn’t feel I could bless the sacrament.

Nearly ten years on from that I’m married with two young children. My wife and children are very active but to be honest I’m not sure about any of it.

When I do go (because my eldest is doing something in sacrament with the primary) I tend to dress casual as it makes it easier for me.

I find wearing a suit when I don’t know if I actually believe any of it is a bit of a no-no.

Sorry it took so long to get to the point and if you’re here – thanks for reading through.

Sounds kind of catholic to me.

GeorgeD,

You say that like it’s a bad thing. I’d be disingenious if I assumed you meant anything else by it than the Roman Catholic church, but look it up sometime, it’s actually a positive, inclusive descriptor and one I would hope applies to my views on what people wear to church.

And while I’m on the topic of meaning, you do realize that “emulate” doesn’t just mean to copy or equal, but to excel or surpass as well? To be, in effect, more catholic than the Pope, if I may borrow a phrase in keeping with your chosen metaphor? So if the Brethren wear white shirts, should we not wear see-through shirts?

Obviously that’s ridiculous, but so is the claim that an extremely general admonition to “emulate the Brethren” requires a particular narrow application to Sunday dress.

As you mentioned before, start with the heart and leave the outer appearance near the bottom of the list of things to accomplish in this life where it belongs.

“Those who bless and pass the sacrament should dress modestly and be well groomed and clean. Clothing or jewelry should not call attention to itself or distract members during the sacrament. White shirts and ties are recommended because they add to the dignity of the ordinance. However, they should not be required as a mandatory prerequisite for a priesthood holder to participate.”

You have a current handbook of instructions, right? Does it really say specifically that white shirts and facial hair are not mandatory? I asked my ward clerk about that and he said it doesn’t really say anything either way about it.

I know it’s sometimes difficult not to look at someone and be critical of how they’re dressed, but if we truly love them, we’ll be compassionate and patient with them.

Our area leaders have encouraged all men to be clean shaven and to wear white shirts to church. Women and young women have also been encouraged not to wear flip-flops (I would say thongs, but nowadays that word no longer means flip-flops). Some people struggle with the flip-flop standard, but it seems to go well enough.

I’ve always believed that if we just wear our best, we’ll be fine.

we also need to remember that our nonmember friends will appreciate being coached. My wife brought her friend to church and didn’t give a whole lot of advice on what to wear. When she came, she wore a nice pant-suit and she looked appropriate to us, but she was uncomfortable because everyone else was wearing dresses. She said she would have worn a dress if she’d known, but we didn’t think it was a big enough deal to mention it to her… we were just happy she came.

I’m sure that if we’re patient with others who don’t dress up, they’ll either not care and be fine, or they’ll decide that they’re under-dressing and will change on their own.

Naismith, undoubtedly you are correct. But emulating the brethren has been a big deal with feminists for a long time.