‘No Hypocrisy' In White

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31360, 4 May 1967, Page 2

‘No Hypocrisy' In White

(N.Z. Preu Aten.—Copyright) LONDON, May 2. Brides who wear white wedding dresses should not feel hypocritical if they are pregnant says a vicar in Lee, Devon, the "Evening Standard” reported. The tradition that white should only be worn to denote a bride’s virginity should no longer apply, says the Rev. Erie Smith, of the Church of the Good Shepherd with St Peter. “The wearing of white at confirmation symbolises the intention of lead-

Ing a good and pure life from that day onwards,” he said. “The same should apply to brides. “Wearing white on one’s wedding day should denote the bride’s intention of leading a good life in the future—and not represent her past life. “I have prepared brides for marriage who are pregnant but if they intend to lead good lives in the future, I see no reason why they should feel shame.”

In the latest parish magazine, Mr Smith said: “Some people say that those married In ehurch, male or female, should be virgin. “But some who have lived and loved in a somewhat fickle fashion, who have indulged in sexual appetite—or who have not been fickle but overwhelmed by their love—will want to come to their marriage with firm Christian resolves. “These people should not feel they have any less right to a full Christian marriage service.”