Quote Originally Posted by Dreadbelly
How does a noose, er, a tie, show respect by wearing it?
How does wearing a tie show respect... I really want to see somebody answer that.
All clerical (and by extension lay) garb when acting in office of a religious organization is expected to convey the identity of the office and duties. Wearing a habit, collar, white shirt/tie, choir robe, etc. all show that your interest is the work/ministry you perform rather than self-expression. This is why we have uniforms in the military as well. UNI (one, all the same) FORM (shape). It says to the person you serve that you have set your own interests aside in order to take on the office and represent the people/organization/god of that office.

All professionals (those who PROFESS an oath when they take on their vocation, eg. doctors, lawyers, judges, clerics) were at one time required to wear distiguishing garb. Hence the white wigs and robes of judges, nurses' white hats, university professor's robes, etc.

I live in the conservative part of the west (and Denver/Colorado Springs are conservative... it's Boulder where we Bohemians hang!) and I agree w/ Doc H. that a coat/tie would be appropriate; they can always be removed. As for the kilt, I would wear it if I were not officiating with the caveat that it would be okay regardless if it were part of my function (representing Scotish Rite, etc.) Just my 2 cents and some rambling. All in all, this IS the small stuff, ya know.

Scotty