CLERIC IN SHORTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22621, 26 April 1948, Page 2

CLERIC IN SHORTS

DRESS REFORM URGED COMFORT IN CHURCH SYDNEY, April 4. A clergyman, who wears shorts under his vestments when preaching said he saw no reason why men should not wear shorts and open-necked shirts to church. The clergyman, the Rev. G. E. Julien, of Bribbaree, 20 miles from Young, said it was “better to -worship well in comfort than to be distracted by clammy collars.’’ He said the wearing of heavy suits and ties to church in hot climates was an “unnecessary concession to a stupid tradition.” Mr. Julien. returned Army padre, encourages churchgoers in his parish of Thuddungra, to dress comfortably. He has told women parishioners they need not wear hats to church. “Stifling Clothes” “My parishioners work during the week in sensible clothes, why should they dress up in stifling traditional “Sunday best” to worship in said“The older people are reluctant to leave off their heavy clothing, but the younger people like the idea. “About one churchgoer in 10 of the eight villages where I conduct services, is now wearing shorts and an opennecked shirt.” Mr. Julien said he wore shorts and safari jacket with a clerical collar during the summer. “I go to church in this dress, but wear vestments over them during the service,” he added. Shorts Permitted Rev E. J. Davidson, rector of historic St. James Church, King street, City, said he did not object to men wearing shorts and open-necked shirts to church. “Many young people wear shorts to St. James because they go to the beach after the service. I agree with this. Mr. Davidson said he agreed with Mr Julien there was no reason why women should be expected to wear hats m church. Dean of Sydney, Dr. Babbage, said he raised no objection to shorts and open-necked shirts in church providing they were presentable-