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Church of England to Consider Optional Clerical Robes

By Trevor Grundy, Religion News Service
Photo courtesy Anglican Communion News Service/The Press Association
Procession in Canterbury Cathedral Photo courtesy Anglican Communion News Service/The Press Association
Dec 26, 2013
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A well-known Anglican bishop in charge of the archbishop of Canterbury’s campaign to attract young people to the church says he’s ready to put on blue jeans and a T-shirt.

 “There are people for whom vestments are profoundly helpful and those for whom they are a real obstacle,” said Bishop Graham Cray who heads the ”Fresh Expressions” campaign.

His statement follows reports that the General Synod, the Church of England’s governing body, is prepared to debate a controversial motion that would make clerical vestments optional.

In a letter to Synod members, the Rev. Christopher Hobbs, vicar of St Thomas in Oakwood, North London, wrote: “In all walks of life people are less formal. And sometimes informality is good even in a very traditional parish.”

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Procession in Canterbury Cathedral Photo courtesy Anglican Communion News Service/The Press Association
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